Feeney Says IGD Asset Purchase Will Complement Belron US
September 23, 2009

Belron US president and chief executive officer told glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine that the purchase of IGD Industries' auto glass repair and replacement businesses will add several complementary businesses to the Columbus, Ohio-based company. The sale is scheduled to close on October 1. (CLICK HERE for related story.)

"We've always looked at the industry and have tried to identify companies that are complementary to us and a strong brand, and that have the same kind of focus on serving people and customers very well," he said during an exclusive interview with glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine.

One of these complementary assets is Alliance Claims Inc., IGD's auto glass claims division, which Feeney says is very similar to the company's existing Safelite Solutions business.

"They serve the industry just like us and that's attractive to us," he said. "They understand our model and they've been very successful in the first-notice-of-loss business as well as providing claims solutions to the insurance industry as well."

For the retail locations, Feeney said the company will use a similar co-branding approach as it has with other acquisitions for most markets.

"There will be markets where Auto Glass Center will be defined as the power brand and will sit in front of the Safelite brand," he said.

Feeney also noted that there's not a lot of overlap between the two companies.

"We operate in very different markets," he said. He also said no possible store closures have been identified at this point.

Feeney also addressed possible industry criticism that Belron US could be building a monopoly. The purchase of IGD adds 80 retail locations to the company's current 396.

"We're a far cry from a monopoly and those words don't even enter our mouths," he said. "We work every day to do business for the customer we serve, and we'll continue to grow our business organically and through strategic acquisitions like this one."

How do you think the impending purchase of IGD's retail locations and claims administration division will impact the industry? Please e-mail pstacey@glass.com.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to AGRR magazine.