Safelite® Group Acquires New England-Based Windshield World
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jan. 11, 2013 - Safelite® Group, the nation’s leading vehicle glass company, has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the vehicle glass related assets of Barre, Vermont-based Windshield World. The deal was finalized December 31, 2012.
Windshield World is a well-respected vehicle glass repair and replacement company in upper New England, which is an area Safelite® has not had a strong physical presence, which made the acquisition highly attractive to Safelite AutoGlass®.
Established in 1984, Windshield World employs 40 people and operates in 20 cities and towns in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York.
The acquisition is the continuation of Safelite’s mission to grow in the U.S. and to become the customer’s “natural choice” for vehicle glass repair and replacement services. It will allow for more coverage to better serve customers and meet insurance client needs.
Windshield World’s owner Patrick Malone will transition his focus toward his commercial real estate business. General manager Mike Miceli will continue as a consultant during the transition, and he will play a significant role in the integration of the two businesses.
“We are happy to welcome Windshield World’s employees to the Safelite® team,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Safelite® Group. “As we continue to grow our company – both through strategic acquisitions of smaller, strong regional brands, as well as through organic growth, we know that our associates will benefit from our commitment to giving them all the resources they need to succeed and that our customers will continue to receive the best value and service in the 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.
About Safelite® Group
Safelite® Group 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 Solutions®, 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.