Heartland Automotive Services, the largest U.S. Jiffy Lube franchisee, acquired Cajun Lube and CCR Lubes, operator of 12 Jiffy Lube retail service centers in Louisiana.
Adding the Cajun Lube stores will strengthen Heartlands base in the Southern United States in preparation for future expansion. The Cajun Lube stores represent a significant opportunity for our company, and the geographic locations create synergy with our future plans, said Brett Pondon, Heartland chief executive officer. We are excited about the investment in reimaging stores that Cajun Lube has already made.
Heartland said it will invite all 80 Cajun Lube employees to remain in their current positions following the acquisition, and offer them new health care insurance and retirement benefits not previously available to them.
Integrating with the Heartland Jiffy Lube system was a natural fit to benefit both companies, remarked Dwight Epperson, previous owner of Cajun Lube.
Cajun Lube served the Lake Charles and Alexandria markets, along with additional locations in northern Louisiana and New Orleans.
Omaha, Neb.-based Heartland Automotive Services and its affiliates in January 2008 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, emerging in February 2009. Earlier this month the company outlined plans to relocate its headquarters to Dallas before the end of this year to meet the needs of future company expansion plans.
With 400 quick lube locations across 17 markets in 20 states, Heartland Automotive employs more than 3,500 people. The company was formed in 1995 when five independent Jiffy Lube franchisees in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Austin and Omaha joined forces, initially with 66 stores total.