Durand, Wis.-based Bauer Built Inc. has acquired the assets of Lincoln, Neb.-based Great Plains Tire Center Inc.
Bauer announced it was buying the three-outlet commercial dealership last month but had to observe a due diligence process before finalizing the transaction.
Former Great Plains President Dave Coufal will become a regional sales director for Bauer Built and will oversee the company's activities in Nebraska.
"Although the ownership will change, the name will remain the same and the majority of Great Plains Tire employees will continue to work for Bauer Built," says Bauer Built officials.
Bauer Built is the sixth largest independent commercial tire operation in the United States, according to Modern Tire Dealer statistics. It has 23 locations and reported $129 million in sales last year.
Great Plains is Bauer's second major acquisition of 2001. In March, the company bought Fulton, Ill.-based tire distributor U.S. Wholesale Inc. The deal gave Bauer exclusive distribution rights for Michelin and BFGoodrich brand ag tires in Iowa and Nebraska. (Bauer also is a Michelin Retread Technologies Inc. affiliate.)
