Classic Collision Grows in Minnesota

PublishedFeb. 3, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Feb. 3---the acquisition of Gale’s Auto Body in Blaine, MN.

Gale’s Auto Body has had a long-standing tradition of excellence and customer satisfaction over the past 25 years. Its commitment was to provide guests with services and quality that they expect and deserve during the repair process.

“We have taken pride in ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service for several years in the community and believe that Classic Collision will continue that service and commitment,” said Troy Westerlund, former owner of Gale’s Auto Body.

“We’re honored to welcome

Crash Champions Acquires European Collision

PublishedJan. 30, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 30 announced it is continuing its fast start to 2023 with the acquisition of European Collision.

As one of the most reputable MSOs in the Southern U.S., European Collision operates four repair centers across the Nashville and Atlanta metro areas. The acquisition officially closed Jan. 27.

“Welcoming European Collision to the Crash Champions team is another proud moment as we continue a fast start to the new year,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “European Collision has served both the Atlanta and Nashville markets with consistent high-quality collision repair

AutoNation Acquires RepairSmith

PublishedJan. 26, 2023

AutoNation, Inc. on Jan. 26 announced it completed the acquisition of RepairSmith, a full-service mobile solution for automotive repair and maintenance, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with a significant operational footprint in the southern and western U.S.

The acquisition of RepairSmith creates meaningful after-sales business opportunities, including using another channel to provide service to AutoNation's existing customer base and introduce additional vehicle owners who have purchased vehicles outside the AutoNation dealer network.

RepairSmith will serve as a resource for reconditioning and internal services to increase AutoNation's

Crash Champions Acquires Crocketts Premier Auto Body in CA Bay Area

PublishedJan. 24, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 24 announced it finalized the acquisition of Crocketts Premier Auto Body in Pinole, CA.

The high-quality collision repair center is located at 900 San Pablo Ave. and features a 12,500-square foot production facility serving customers and business partners in the East Bay area. Crocketts has built an impressive reputation since first opening its doors for business in 1979.

“We are proud to continue the growth of Crash Champions across the state of California, and this particular acquisition adds another high-quality collision repair center to our team,” said Matt

Crash Champions Acquires Northern California MSO Stymeist Collision Centers

PublishedJan. 23, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 23 announced it is continuing its fast start to the new year with the acquisition of Stymeist Collision Centers.

Stymeist Collision Centers operates a lineup of four high-quality collision repair centers in Northern California. The acquisition expands Crash Champions’ leading California network to more than 100 repair centers across the state, complementing its nationwide lineup of more than 600 repair centers in 36 states.

The acquisition officially closed Jan. 20.

“Welcoming the Stymeist Collision Centers team to Crash Champions is another stride forward in

Classic Collision Adds 40th Florida Location

PublishedJan. 20, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Jan. 20---the acquisition of R&R CARSTAR Collision franchise in Apopka, FL.

R&R has been dedicated for the past 35 years to quality and serving its customers’ needs throughout the vehicle repair.

“Our goal has been to provide exceptional customer service, and I know that Classic Collision’s customer service and quality focus will continue to serve my community well,” said John O’Hara, former owner of R&R CARSTAR Collision Center.

“We’re honored to welcome the R&R CARSTAR Collision team to the Classic family,” said Toan

Shell Buying EV Charging Company Volta for $169 Million

PublishedJan. 18, 2023

Volta Inc. on Jan. 18 announced Shell USA Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, will acquire Volta in an all-cash transaction of about $169 million.

The transaction brings Volta's powerful dual charging and media network to Shell's established brand and seeks to unlock robust, long-term growth opportunities in EV charging.

Shell USA Inc. will acquire all outstanding shares of Class A common stock of Volta at $0.86 per share in cash upon completion of the merger, which represents an approximate 18% premium to the closing price of Volta stock on Jan. 17, the last full trading day prior to the

Crash Champions Acquires Gengras Collision Center in East Hartford, CT

PublishedJan. 17, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 17 announced it finalized the acquisition of Gengras Collision Center at 630 Tolland St. in East Hartford, CT. 

The acquisition of the high-quality repair center marks Crash Champions’ second location in the state, following the acquisition of Andrade Motor Car on Dec. 9. Crash Champions now operates a leading national lineup of premier collision repair centers in 36 states and Washington,

Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii Purchases Island Fender in Honolulu, HI

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii, a family-owned company with more than 50 years in business, announced the purchase of Island Fender in Honolulu, HI. The company also owns Oka’s Auto Body in Waipahu, a town in Oahu.

“We are very excited to have purchased Island Fender and grow our company,” said Brandon Okahara, co-owner of Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii. “We look forward to the challenges and the added opportunities to build on the foundation that our family has built over the years."

Oka’s Auto Body was established in 1965 by Eddie Okahara. Over

NOVUS Glass Announces Mobile Franchise in Bozeman, MT

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

NOVUS Glass is pleased to announce the addition of NOVUS Glass of Bozeman, MT, providing mobile auto glass services to the Greater Bozeman communities.

NOVUS Glass of Bozeman offers reliable and convenient mobile auto glass services to drivers in the Greater Bozeman area. The services offered include windshield repair, auto glass replacement, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) services, headlight restoration, windshield wiper replacement and water repellant

Crash Champions Acquires T Masters Collision Center in New Jersey

PublishedJan. 10, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 10 announced it expanded its New Jersey footprint through the acquisition of T Masters Collision Center. The acquisition officially closed Jan. 6.

T Masters Collision Center is located at 847 S. White Horse Pike in Hammonton, NJ. Following the acquisition, Crash Champions now operates four locations across the state and a nationwide lineup of more than 595 high-quality repair centers in 36 states---all providing customers with a seamless experience and written lifetime warranty on repair work.

“This is a great start to the year for our team as we welcome another high-quality

It’s no secret that the collision repair business---much like most other trade industries---is aging. Baby Boomers are retiring or nearing retirement. In fact, tens of thousands of Boomers are retiring every day.

This is creating what many in the investment community refer to as “the great wealth transfer,” in which the retiring generation is set to pass along, sell or otherwise transfer somewhere between $30 trillion and $70 trillion worth of business assets.

So how will this “silver tsunami” impact business owners in the collision repair space?

To start, the collision repair M&A marketplace continues to be robust. The silver tsunami, depending on outside market conditions and the continued evolution of the collision repair industry, is expected to

Romans Group Releases 2021 Profile of Collision Repair Marketplace

PublishedJan. 9, 2023

The Romans Group announced its 16th annual white paper, A 2021 Profile of the Evolving U.S. and Canadian Collision Repair Marketplace, is now available.

The pinnacle year for the collision repair industry was 2019, with an all-time high total addressable market (TAM) of $38.3 billion. Repair facilities were flush with repairable vehicles and had the manpower and parts to service the demand.

The recovery years of 2021 and 2022 were and continue to be awkward and choppy, as the collision repair industry attempts to bounce back within the constructs of numerous macro industry challenges and opportunities, U.S.

Event for Large Collision Repair Businesses Focuses on Labor Shortage, State of Consolidation

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published Jan. 6, 2023

During consultant Vince Romans’ annual presentation on the state of consolidation within the collision repair industry at the MSO Symposium in November, he noted there were currently 19 private equity firms or other investor

AF Collision Becomes 1st Utah Shop to Join 1Collision

PublishedJan. 4, 2023

1Collisionis pleased to announce the addition of AF Collision in American Fork, UT, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The business is owned by Travis Olson.

“We are delighted to be adding our first Utah shop to support our Utah customer base,” said John Hollingsworth, 1Collision director of new location development. “Travis and his team at AF Collision already operate on a high level but were looking for something to help them reach the next plateau of growth. We are excited to start supporting their team with their goals.”

“I am looking forward to having a team and a

Crash Champions Acquires 4-Location Capitol Body Shop in Mississippi

Published Dec. 22, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent collision repair service providers, on Dec. 22 announced it has grown its presence in Mississippi through the acquisition of Capitol Body Shop.

One of the largest and most respected auto body repair organizations in Mississippi, Capitol Body serves customers at four locations in the Jackson metro area.

With the addition of Capitol Body, Crash Champions now provides customers access to collision repair service at seven locations in the Magnolia State, complementing the company’s national footprint of more than 590 repair centers

Bremerton Collision Repair in Washington Joins 1Collision

PublishedDec. 20, 2022

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of Bremerton Collision Repair in Bremerton, WA.

Ty Sunkel and his wife, Sarah, opened the facility about four years ago. Their daughter, Taylor, works in the front office and their son, Cole, is a technician.

“We're a family-owned shop and care about customers,” said Ty. “We treat people like we want to be treated.”

The Sunkels learned about 1Collision after attending the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, in November.

"During our initial conversation with Ty Sunkel at

Classic Collision Adds 2 Locations in Colorado

PublishedDec. 16, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, on Dec. 16 announced the acquisition of the CARSTAR Highland Denver North and Highland Denver South franchise in Denver, CO.

Former owners Gunnarand Lynette Greenemeier have been dedicated for the past 35 years to serving their customers’ needs throughout the vehicle repair, by providing the most efficient, cost-effective methods available, while providing the highest quality repair and an exceptional customer service experience.

“Our philosophy has been to do the repair right the first time, and I know that Classic Collision will carry that on,” said

Classic Collision Acquires Shops in Las Vegas, Texas

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

Classic Collision announced new acquisitions in Las Vegas and suburban Houston, bringing its total number of locations to 209 in 15 states.

Las Vegas Collision Center is now the third Classic Collision location in Las Vegas, while Dennis Collision Center in Conroe, TX, expands the company's footprint in the Lone Star State.

Las Vegas Collision Center opened in 2000.

“Our system of operation is streamlined to make it as convenient as possible for our customers and know that Classic Collision will operate in that exact manner,” said Anna Daniellyan, former owner of Las Vegas

Crash Champions Expands to Connecticut, Acquires Andrade Motorcar 

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 14 announced it has expanded to its 36th state, acquiring Andrade Motorcar, a high-quality collision repair center located at 975 Campbell Ave. in West Haven, CT. 

While this acquisition represents the company’s entry into the state, Crash Champions operates a national best-in-class lineup of more than 590 collision repair centers, all providing customers with superior service and a written lifetime warranty.

“I am excited to bring the Crash Champions team to Connecticut, a vibrant state and natural next step for our continued expansion given our growing presence

AutoNation Expands After-Sales Business with Acquisition of RepairSmith

PublishedDec. 12, 2022

AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, on Dec. 12 announced it entered into an agreement to acquire RepairSmithfor $190 million.

RepairSmith is a full-service mobile solution for automotive repair and maintenance, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with a significant operational footprint in the southern and western U.S.
  
"AutoNation has embarked on a strategy to be the nation's most comprehensive provider of transportation solutions, meeting the mobility needs of today's and tomorrow's customer through a broad, connected range of products and services that are

Crash Champions Acquires 3 Collision Repair Facilities in Maryland 

Published Dec. 12, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 12 announced it expanded its Maryland footprint through the strategic acquisition of three high-quality collision repair facilities: Advanced Auto Body, located at 500 Frederick St. in Hagerstown; Classic Collision Works, located at 423 E. Diamond Ave. in Gaithersburg; and Advanced Collision, located at 12200 Baltimore Ave. in Beltsville.

Crash Champions now provides Maryland motorists with high-quality collision repair service at 17 repair centers across the state. Local customers also benefit from a lifetime warranty backing all repair work valid at any

Crash Champions Acquires 7 Auto Body Shops in Seattle

PublishedDec. 8, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 8 announced it expanded its presence in the Seattle market through the strategic acquisitions of 1st Class Auto Body and Seattle Automotive.

1st Class Auto Body operates five locations across the Seattle metro area, while Seattle Automotive serves customers at two local repair centers.

Crash Champions now provides Seattle motorists with high-quality collision repair service at 23 locations across the metro area, and 28 total repair centers across the Evergreen State. Local customers also benefit from a lifetime warranty backing all repair work valid at any of Crash Champions’

Driven Brands’ Glass Servicing Business to Migrate to Auto Glass Now Brand

PublishedDec. 6, 2022

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. on Dec. 5 reported it will be migrating its glass servicing offering to the Auto Glass Now brand beginning in January.

Since entering the U.S. glass business less than a year ago, Driven Brands has grown to approximately 175 locations and more than 700 mobile units through a series of acquisitions and a growing pipeline of greenfield openings and 10 acquisitions, including the acquisition of Discount Auto Glass that closed Dec. 5.

Over the course of 2023, the company will migrate its locations under Auto Glass Now and roll out refreshed brand collateral online,

Classic Collision Adds 3rd Location in Minnesota

PublishedDec. 5, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Dec. 2---the acquisition of Roering Auto Body in Saint Paul, MN.

Roering Auto Body has been serving Saint Paul and the surrounding areas since 1982. Through its quality workmanship, attention to detail and prompt service, it has built a solid reputation of customer satisfaction.

“Our mission is to provide our customers with the most professional, courteous service and quality workmanship, and we believe that Classic Collision will continue that here in Saint Paul,” said Lisa Roering, former owner of Roering Auto Body.

"We are excited to be adding

Crash Champions Acquires Historic George V. Arth & Son in Oakland, CA

PublishedNov. 29, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 29 announced it acquired George V. Arth & Son in Oakland, CA. 

One of the oldest automotive repair centers in the U.S., Arth & Son’s I-CAR Gold Class-certified repair facility is located at 110 10th St. in Oakland and has served customers and business partners for more than 140 years. 

“This is a marquee addition to our team,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “It is a remarkable achievement to remain in business for more than a century, and within moments of stepping inside the facility and meeting the

Classic Collision Acquires Shamrock Auto Body in Florida

Published Nov. 18, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Nov. 18, the acquisition of Shamrock Auto Body in St. Cloud, FL.

Shamrock Auto Body, Inc. is a family owned and operated business, providing customers with exemplary auto body repair service from the same location since 2000. Its highly trained team of technicians perform a complete range of auto body repair services to Central Florida customers from St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Orlando, Celebration and Lake Nona.

“We have been committed to delivering only the highest level of quality service, with the emphasis on customer satisfaction and know that Classic Collision is in

Crash Champions Acquires Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Savannah, GA, Metro Area

PublishedNov. 17, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 17 announced it has acquired Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Rincon, GA.

Harold’s serves customers at a high-quality repair center located at 5500 McCall Road in Rincon.

This acquisition continues Crash Champions' strategic growth across Georgia, as the organization now serves customers at 12 locations across the state. Nationwide, the company operates more than 580 high-quality collision repair centers across 35 states, all providing customers with superior service and a written lifetime warranty.

“The highly-trained and experienced technicians and repair

Crash Champions Acquires Collision Repair Center in Kansas City, MO

PublishedNov. 16, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 16 announced the organization has expanded its footprint in the Kansas City metro area, through the acquisition of Molle Toyota’s collision repair center.

As part of the deal, Molle Toyota will maintain full independent ownership and operations of its automotive dealership, while Crash Champions will acquire and assume operations of the repair center effective immediately.

“This repair center has earned a loyal customer base thanks to its commitment to employing certified technicians that utilize state-of-the-art tools and deliver best-in-class repairs,” said Matt

AutoNation Announces Acquisition of Minority Ownership Stake in TrueCar

PublishedNov. 15, 2022

AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, on Nov. 15 announced its acquisition of an approximately 6.1% minority ownership stake in TrueCar, Inc., a leading automotive digital marketplace.

AutoNation's decision to invest in TrueCar signals the company's continued commitment to emerging technologies and its constant focus on providing peerless customer experiences. TrueCar provides an end-to-end, transparent and efficient way for consumers to navigate the car-buying journey.

"We are excited by this announcement from AutoNation, America's leading automotive retailer, as we see their