Belron, parent company to United States-based Safelite AutoGlass, has acquired the Autotaalglas franchise business in the Netherlands.
Autotaalglas was founded in 1986 by Pieter van Spaendonck and has since grown into a nationwide franchise organization. Its corporate office is in Tilburg and it has 54 independent franchisees located throughout the country.
Belron has previously operated in the Netherlands solely through its Carglass business, according to a company statement. Carglass Netherlands operates through 56 service centers and its head office is located in Son, Eindhoven.
The two businesses will each retain their own identity and operating model, according to a company statement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“After 30 years in the industry, I decided that selling the business at this time was in the best interests of my family,” says van Spaendonck. “I am delighted that the new shareholder is fully committed to the industry and continuing to develop the Autotaalglas business. I look forward to working with Belron in assisting them with this development.”
“I am delighted to welcome the Autotaalglas management, employees and franchisees to the Belron family,” says Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron. “The Dutch vehicle glass repair and replacement market has some significant challenges. Specifically, it has more than halved over recent years and is also facing increasing technical complexity requiring additional investments. Operating with these two businesses will enable Belron to safeguard a choice of specialists for our customers, as well as insurance, fleet and lease partners while delivering a return to our shareholders.”
