IRVING, Texas, Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., America’s largest Jiffy Lube Franchisee, completed the second largest acquisition in company history with the addition of 33 new locations across northern Florida and South Carolina.

“This transaction is a significant step in Heartland’s history,” said James Marcum, interim CEO, Heartland Jiffy Lube. “We are very proud that we have increased our footprint to more than 570 locations in 23 states. In addition, the newly acquired locations located primarily near Charleston, S.C., Jacksonville and Gainesville, Fla., provide a natural platform for growth in the Southeast market.”

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, and an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., Heartland is the nation’s largest provider of quick oil change and other preventive automotive maintenance services under the Jiffy Lube brand, serving nearly four million customers per year. In addition to oil changes, Heartland’s locations offer tire rotations, filter replacement, air-conditioning services, state vehicle safety inspections and emissions testing.

The acquisition of the 33 new stores from South Lube Inc., allows Heartland to expand its business strategy with a new Southeast division, which will include existing Heartland locations located near Savannah, Ga., and Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“I am excited for Heartland’s new presence in Florida,” said Jim Orsi, the new Heartland Regional Vice President who will lead the Southeast division. “We are eager to provide our new guests in Florida and South Carolina with all of the great offerings from Heartland, including our Signature Service Oil Change.”

All 250 employees – district managers and store staff – across the newly acquired stores were invited to remain in their current positions following the acquisition. In many instances, Heartland brings new health care insurance and retirement benefits to the teammates not previously available to them.

“We enjoyed serving the customers within these communities and I am confident that Heartland will continue to deliver wonderful service to them,” said Ward Huntley of South Lubes, Inc. “Integrating with the Heartland Jiffy Lube system was a natural fit that benefits both companies and our employees while still providing a great Jiffy Lube experience to all customers.”

Consumers in the area will continue to experience the legendary Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change with Shell Oil’s Pennzoil branded motor oil. They’ll also continue to enjoy other preventative maintenance services to help keep their vehicles running longer – in addition to an intense focus on guest service as the company strives to turn consumers into guests for life.

About Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., dba Jiffy Lube
The American quick lube industry provides more than 100 million oil changes every year from more than 10,000 standard locations. Within this industry, Heartland Automotive Services, dba Jiffy Lube, is the largest operator of quick lube retail service stores. Operating 576 Jiffy Lube locations from coast to coast and serving nearly 4 million guests each year with more than 5,000 professional teammates, Heartland strives to provide a great experience for every valued guest on every visit.

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc
Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in companies that can benefit from its in–house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in more than 325 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $45 billion since Sun Capital’s inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Shenzhen. For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com.

SOURCE Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., dba Jiffy Lube