Aug. 22, 2019—Valvoline announced on Thursday that it signed an agreement to acquire Minit Lube of Alberta, Canada.
The Calgary-based Minit Lube started in 1978 as the first quick lube shop in Alberta. The network has grown to six locations, according to a press release.
"We are proud and thankful to have served our fleet and retail customers in Calgary for over 40 years," said Paul Robinson, Minit Lube owner and vice president of operations, in the press release. "Selling the family business has not been an easy decision, but we are confident that Valvoline shares our values and belief in high quality products, convenient locations and the best customer service staff in the business."
Valvoline plans to acquire four of the shops and rebrand them as company-owned locations. The remaining two will be franchised by the existing owner.All of the shops will be remade under the Great Canadian Oil Change brand.
"In 2018, the acquisition of Great Canadian Oil Change and Oil Changers provided us with the ideal opportunity to expand our quick-lube service model outside the U.S.," said Tony Puckett, president of Valvoline quick lubes. "The Minit Lube acquisition is significant for Valvoline because it will establish our first company-owned service centers in Canada. We think Minit Lube is a natural fit because of the focus on an outstanding customer service experience that Paul and his team have developed. We look forward to serving the communities in Alberta under the Valvoline Great Canadian Oil Change brand."
This grows the Valvoline network to more than 1,350 quick lube shops, the company says. Financial terms weren't released, but the acquisition is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
Image: MInit Lube
