RICHMOND, VA – January 7, 2013 – Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that VIP Parts, Tires & Service (“VIP”) has sold its 56 retail auto parts stores to O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (“O’Reilly”).

Lewiston, Maine-based VIP is a privately held automotive parts, tires and service chain that has served customers in New England for more than 30 years. The Company has 56 stores throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as a distribution center in Maine.

O’Reilly, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, is one the nation’s largest retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the U.S., serving both the do-it-yourself and professional service provider markets. VIP will continue to own and operate the tire and service bay components of the business and O’Reilly will own and operate the automotive parts, sales, and distribution operations.

Matrix Capital Markets Group served as exclusive financial advisor to VIP. The transaction was led by Mike Morrison, David Shoulders, William O’Flaherty and Brady Hill. Mike Morrison, Managing Director and Principal at Matrix commented, “This transaction is a successful outcome for both parties, allowing VIP to focus on its core tire and service bay business, while expanding O’Reilly’s geographic footprint into the Northeast. Matrix is pleased to have assisted John Quirk and the VIP team in consummating a transaction that will be mutually beneficial for both parties for the foreseeable future.”

John Quirk, President and CEO of VIP said, “I am excited about entering into this very unique business arrangement with O’Reilly, which operates one of the most successful chains of auto parts stores in the country. Their dual-market strategy and commitment to serving professional installers (DIFM) and the DIY customer universe is a great fit with our tire and service business. This transaction possessed some unique characteristics and I appreciate the efforts of the Matrix team, which provided sound advice through every step of the process.”

Greg Henslee, Chief Executive Officer and President of O’Reilly added, “We are committed to long-term growth and view this transaction as an opportunity to expand the O’Reilly brand into new geographic markets. We look forward to a successful and longstanding relationship with VIP going forward.”

About Matrix Capital Markets Group
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA. Since 1988, Matrix has provided merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned and publicly traded companies, including sell-side M&A advisory, recapitalizations, asset divestitures, corporate valuations, corporate recovery, buy-side M&A advisory, capital raises of debt and equity, management buyouts, corporate advisory and fairness opinions. Matrix has served clients in a wide range of industries, including building products, business services, consumer products, energy & multi-site retail, healthcare, industrial products, lumber and media & communications. For additional information, please visit www.matrixcmg.com.

Securities offered by Matrix Private Equities, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group,  Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC.