Safelite® Group Finalizes Agreement to Purchase the Auto Glass Division of Wisconsin-Based Klein-Dickert
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nov. 1, 2012 - Safelite® Group, the nation’s leading vehicle glass company, has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the auto glass division assets of Madison, Wisconsin-based Klein-Dickert Co. Inc., not including Klein-Dickert’s paint-related business. The deal was finalized after close of business on October 31, 2012.
Klein-Dickert is a well-respected company with a prominent vehicle glass repair and replacement brand in Wisconsin.
“Klein-Dickert’s strong performance and brand recognition made it highly attractive,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Safelite® Group. “We feel the auto glass division of Klein-Dickert can contribute to accomplishing our company’s mission of becoming the ‘natural choice’ for vehicle glass repair and replacement services in the U.S.”
The Klein-Dickert purchase plays a key strategic role in Safelite’s acquisition strategy. This acquisition positions Safelite AutoGlass® to be the clear leader in the region. Klein-Dickert offers a well-established history of quality work, store locations and a commitment to the customer experience. Safelite AutoGlass® provides excellent operational systems, a world-class distribution network, global purchasing power, and strong insurance relationships.
Klein-Dickert Co. Inc. is a family owned and operated business headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin since 1919 and has been repairing/replacing vehicle glass in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Upper Michigan since 1976. Klein-Dickert operates out of Madison, Brookfield, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Marinette with 33 employees.
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.
Klein-Dickert’s operations manager Jim Short will play a significant role in the transition. Short has 34 years of experience in the vehicle glass repair and replacement industry, including managing, purchasing, and internal operations. He began as a technician at Auto Glass Specialists in 1978 and most recently served as the operations manager at Klein-Dickert.
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.