VIP and O'Reilly Automotive: a perfect fit

Dec. 19, 2012

VIP Parts, Tires & Service Corp. and O’Reilly Automotive Inc. will grow together, says VIP CEO and President John Quirk.

The 16th largest independent tire dealer in the United States with 56 retail outlets in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, VIP recently sold its automotive parts-related assets to O'Reilly in a move that expands its business opportunities. Quirk says the inventory management and supply chain strength of national auto parts chains like O'Reilly and AutoZone Inc. made it hard to compete against them.

"Rather than fight them, we decided to join them!"

Quirk says O'Reilly will run more than the retail parts end of the business. It also will sell to installers, bringing a "commercial" aspect to the table. VIP will handle 100% of the tires and service end of the retail stores.

O’Reilly Automotive announced the definitive agreement with VIP on Dec. 17, 2012. Based in Lewiston, Maine, VIP claims it has "the largest selection of auto parts, car accessories, and car batteries in New England!"

Quirk Tire & Service Corp. of Westborough, Mass., acquired VIP Discount Auto Center in 2001. The deal included 48 retail outets.

O’Reilly operated 3,859 stores in 39 states as of June 30, 2012. According to its mission statement, "O'Reilly Automotive intends to be the dominant supplier of auto parts in our market areas by offering our retail customers, professional installers, and jobbers the best combination of price and quality provided with the highest possible service level.

“In order to accomplish this mission, O'Reilly will provide a benefit and compensation plan that will attract and keep the kind of people that will enable the company to reach its goals of growth and success.”