Carstar acquired by North Carolina firm

Carstar Auto Body Repair Experts has been acquired by a North Carolina-based firm.

Driven Brands Inc., based in Charlotte, announced on Thursday the acquisition of Leawood-based Carstar, a chain of independently owned collision repair shops with more than 240 locations in 30 states. Carstar has Wichita locations at 606 N. Webb and 8923 W. Kellogg.

“Carstar – an iconic brand that is well-recognized and respected by leading insurance companies – brings us additional expertise in the collision repair business,” Driven Brands CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick said in a news release. “We are excited about the strength this addition brings to the Driven Brands family creating an unrivaled North American powerhouse in automotive franchising.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Driven Brands plans to retain the Carstar name and management team, including CEO David Byers, and put Carstar under a new paint and collision division, which also will comprise the Maaco and Drive N Style brands Driven Brands owns.

“We will benefit from Driven Brands … team’s extensive franchising knowledge across a number of retail categories including automotive, retail services and restaurants,” Byers said in a news release. “And, there are many opportunities for improving operational efficiencies, customer engagement and national branding as part of their portfolio.”

Besides Maaco and Drive N Style, Driven Brands automotive companies include Meineke Car Care Centers, 1-800 Radiator, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops, Pro Oil Change, Econo Lube & Tune, AutoQual and Aero-Colours. With the Carstar acquisition, Driven Brands’ portfolio of companies will generate annual system revenue of $1 billion through 2,000 locations in 48 states and two countries.

Driven Brands is owned by Roark Capital Group, which owns 47 franchise/multiunit brands that include retailers, restaurants and fitness centers.

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Carstar acquired by North Carolina firm."