MAACO Franchising acquires Canadian rights

MAACO Franchising Inc., part of the Driven Brands family of automotive companies, has announced the acquisition of its Canadian Master Franchisor rights from Gary Dohring.

The move is step one in a plan to double the number of Maaco and Meineke Car Care Center locations in Canada within three years.

MAACO Canada has 26 locations across the country and the first location was opened in 1975. Dohring had controlled the Canadian Master Franchisor rights for the past 13 years, serving as president and CEO of MAACO Systems Canada.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Everyone at MAACO thanks Gary and his team for the great work over the past decade in growing the MAACO brand in Canada," said Jose Costa, president, MAACO.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Driven Brands/MAACO has indicated it plans to grow in Canada both by recruiting new franchisees and working with existing franchisees to open new locations.

"We are really excited for the opportunity to build on that success and further grow the brand in Canada. This transaction is a testament to the belief that the MAACO team has in terms of our future vision and growth opportunities," he adds.

Driven Brands, through both MAACO and Meineke Car Care Centers, has a long, successful history in Canada. Its focus will remain on the growth of these brands and specifically on doubling the current unit counts in three years through a combination of our existing franchisees and the introduction of new growth-minded franchisees.

"I am proud and fortunate to have spent so much time as part of the MAACO system," said Dohring, who departed the company Oct. 1. "We have a terrific team and culture in place, and strong leadership at the corporate level, so I leave knowing that the brand I love is in the best of hands."

Founded in 1972, MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting repairs accident damage, dents and faded paint for close to 500,000 drivers annually. The 450 franchises have restored the safety and beauty of all types of vehicles for nearly 40 years. MAACO Franchising, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, has been cited numerous times by Entrepreneur magazine as #1 in its category in the Annual Franchise 500 survey.

The Driven Brands family of automotive companies headquartered in Charlotte, NC, serves as parent company for the separate businesses: MAACO, "America’s Body Shop"; Meineke Car Care Centers service and repair shops; Econo Lube & Tune; AutoQual, Aero-Colours, and Drive N Style.