U.S. Tire & Exhaust, a division of U.S. Oil Co. Inc., recently purchased two wholesale tire businesses in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, marketing area. They are:
* Midstate's Auto Supply, Inc., based out of New Ulm, Minn. (with another location in St.Cloud). It distributes Cooper, Starfire and Kumho tires.
* Paul Williams Tire Co. Inc., based out of Burnsville, Minn. It distributes Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Toyo, Pirelli and various private tire brands.
The current business and customer base of both wholesale companies will be transitioned into U.S. Tire & Exhaust's aftermarket tire distribution network, according to the company.
"We are an organization focused on meeting the needs of our current and future customers," says Tom Schmidt, CEO and president. "With the addition of these businesses, we can continue to keep our customers' costs down in the automotive wholesale distribution business."
According to Pat Hietpas, U.S. Tire & Exhaust's vice president and general manager, both Midstate's and Paul Williams Tire have been "good competitors and suppliers" in the automotive aftermarket industry in Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding area. "We will continue to build upon their success with the focus on strong customer service and support needed in today’s competitive marketplace."
U.S. Oil, headquartered in Combined Locks, Wis., will continue "to focus on growth strategies through acquisitions and partnerships that compliment the current operating divisions of U.S. Oil," adds the company.
