Ziebart Expands Presence in Texas
12 January 1998
Ziebart Expands Presence in TexasTROY, Mich., Jan. 12 -- Ziebart International Corp., the world leader in car-care solutions to protect and enhance vehicle appearance and investment value, today announced it will significantly expand its presence in Texas through the addition of 15 new stores in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. The expansion will result from Ziebart's purchase of Texas-based Artech Franchising Company, which operates 15 window-tint and electronics stores in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. The Artech stores will be offered the Ziebart format in 1998 that includes Ziebart's complete line of car-care services, including professional detailing services, appearance protection services, rust protection, and accessories. "This acquisition provides us the opportunity to build on Ziebart's nearly 20-year history in Texas," says Thomas E. Wolfe, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Ziebart International. "This expansion will greatly benefit our existing three stores in Dallas and Houston, as well." "The Artech acquisition is in keeping with Ziebart's overall commitment to expanding and strengthening its franchise network worldwide," continued Wolfe. In 1997, Ziebart opened 27 new stores in U.S. cities and abroad, including Salt Lake City, Utah; Slidell, LA; Billings, MT; Lubbock, TX; Union of South Africa; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. Details of the purchase have not been disclosed. Established in 1981, Artech Franchising Company is privately held and owned by three individuals: Paul Bossow, president, of Dallas/Forth Worth; Dave Dickey and Kent Lemonte of Houston. "The acquisition will give the Artech organization an opportunity to take our organization to a new level," says Bossow. Established in 1959, Ziebart International Corp. is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and operates approximately 600 stores in 42 countries. Ziebart offers more than 30 car-care services, and is North America's largest installer of aftermarket accessories. For franchisee information, call 800-877-1312 or visit Ziebart's web site at ziebart.com. SOURCE Ziebart International Corp.