Safelite® Group Finalizes Agreement to Purchase Southern Glass & Plastics
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nov. 15, 2012 - Safelite® Group, the nation’s leading vehicle glass company, has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the vehicle glass division assets of Southern Glass & Plastics.
The deal is expected to be finalized by Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 12:01 a.m.
Southern Glass is a well-respected company with a prominent vehicle glass repair and replacement brand in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina since 1990. Owned by Alan Epley, the company employs 25 people and operates five retail locations:
1. Savannah, GA
2. Charlotte, NC
3. Charleston, SC
4. Columbia, SC
5. North Augusta, SC
The acquisition is the continuation of Safelite AutoGlass’s mission to profitably grow in the U.S. and to become the customer’s “natural choice” for vehicle glass repair and replacement services.
“While much of our growth has come organically from expanding the company’s existing sales and profit base, we’ve also had various strategic, targeted acquisitions in the last several years,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Safelite® Group. “We expect that Southern Glass’s clients, customers, business partners and employees will benefit from our commitment to be the leader in the vehicle glass industry.”
Safelite® Group is a subsidiary of Belron®, the world’s largest and most successful retail vehicle glass repair and replacement company. Belron® operates in 34 countries.
Southern Glass’s owner Alan Epley will continue as a consultant during the transition before he officially retires. In addition, general manager David Packett will play a significant role in the integration. With their vehicle glass repair and replacement expertise, they will offer excellent contributions to the Safelite® team.
“Even though we have been healthy competitors in the past, Safelite® offered the best option for me and my employees, particularly in today’s challenging economic times. I look forward to my upcoming retirement after the transition period,” said Epley.
About Safelite® Group
Safelite® Group, a subsidiary of Belron®, is a multi-faceted vehicle glass and claims management service organization based in Columbus, Ohio. The company, which has been in business since 1947, is comprised of four major business operations that include Safelite AutoGlass®, a vehicle glass repair and replacement services provider; Safelite® Solutions and Alliance Claims SolutionsTM, which offer fleet and insurance claims management services; Service AutoGlass®, a wholesale and distribution operation; and Safelite® Glass Corp., a manufacturing and distribution business unit. The company employs nearly 10,000 people throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.safelite.com.