February 25, 2014—Driven Brands Inc., the parent company of Meineke Car Care Centers, Econo Lube & Tune and MAACO, announced Monday the acquisition of Merlin 200,000 Mile, an automotive aftermarket franchise business based in St. Charles, Ill.
Merlin operates primarily in the suburbs of Chicago and adds 49 locations in four states to the Driven Brands portfolio.
“It was time for the full potential behind our 200,000 Miles branding to be unleashed, which only a successful national player could do,” said Frank Smola, former president of Merlin 200,000 Miles. “We were extremely impressed with the high levels of talent, vision, and energy within the Driven Brands executive leadership team.”
Danny Rivera, current CIO of Driven Brands, will serve as president of Merlin 200,000 Mile.
“Adding Merlin to the Driven portfolio gives us breadth in the Chicago market with a great brand that has unique brand positioning and excellent unit economics,” said Rivera.
