Maaco Franchises Join Driven Brands’ Line of Aftermarket Businesses

The purchase of Pennsylvania-based Maaco Franchising Inc. by Driven Brands Inc. is expected to have little direct effect on Canadian Maaco franchises, but the shops could benefit from being part of a larger organization.

The Driven Brands organization also includes Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc., an automotive service and repair chain with 32 locations in Canada; Econo Lube & Tune; and a franchised network of mobile services for reconditioning, refinishing, and restyling.

There are about 35 Maaco locations in Canada, all franchises of Maaco Systems Canada Inc., which in turn is a master franchisor of Maaco Franchising. Maaco Systems Canada president Gary Dohring says the purchase of Maaco by a larger, more varied organization is a positive move.

“The fact that we have all that varied experience to draw from can only help our businesses. We expect a real increase in the amount of resources we can use,” says Dohring.

Maaco was founded in 1972 by Anthony A. Martino, and had remained a family business until its purchase by Driven Brands. It has nearly 500 facilities in the U. S. and Canada, specializing in cosmetic collision repairs and automotive painting.

Regarding the acquisition of Maaco, Kenneth D. Walker, CEO of Driven Brands, says, “An acquisition of this magnitude and calibre represents a significant upside opportunity for Maaco and the entire Driven Brands portfolio. Sharing best practices across franchise systems and strengthening our buying power will allow for even greater profitability and future growth.”

This is the third Driven Brands acquisition this year, along with the AutoQual and Drive N Style companies, both purchased this past February.

Maaco president David M. Lapps comments, “The acquisition will not change our day-to-day operations. As far as our customers and franchisees are concerned, the transaction should be seamless.”