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Tag Archives: Belron
Auto Glass Week™ Sessions Deep Dive into Calibration Growth, Trends and Challenges
Calibration was a big discussion topic during Auto Glass Week (AGW) 2023. The event took place Sept. 19-21 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Va., bringing together installers, technicians, suppliers and many others. Educational sessions covered a … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AAA, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), AGSC Advanced ADAS Committee, AirPro Diagnostics, Auto Glass Safety Council, Auto Glass Week 2023, Belron, Calibration, calibration trends, Chris Chesney, Chris Sobieski, Don's Mobile Glass, educational sessions, Highway Loss Institute, installers, Jacques Navant, Josh McFarlin, Key Media & Research, market update, Nick St. Denis, Peter Brown, Repairify/asTech, Snap-on Equipment, suppliers, technicians, Tiny and Sons, Virginia Beach Convention Center
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Belron Sales Increase 11.5% in First Half of 2023
Belron, the parent of Safelite AutoGlass, reported higher sales for the first six months of 2023 as the company booked more jobs and boosted its recalibration revenues. Belron’s sales totaled $3.07 billion for the first half of the year, an … Continue reading
Gary Lubner Becomes Major Donor for UK’s Labour Party
Former Belron CEO Gary Lubner is poised to become one of the largest donors to the United Kingdom’s Labour Party, with The Week UK reporting that the auto glass magnate may donate approximately $5.3 million USD ahead of the next … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Gary Lubner, Labour Party, United Kingdom
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Tony Cioffi Takes on New Role at Auto Glass Firm
Tony Cioffi, former president of Lowe’s Canada until March of this year—shortly after Sycamore Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm took over—has been appointed VP of finance at Belron Inc. in Montreal. Click here to read more.
Belron Reports Sales Increase for Q1 2023
D’Ieteren Group recently presented results for the first fiscal quarter of 2023, which include financial data from Belron, owner of Safelite AutoGlass. Belron’s total sales increased by 12% in the first quarter of the year to more than $1.5 billion. … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group Continues Purchase, Disposal of Own Shares
D’Ieteren Group continues to buy back its own shares as part of a repurchase program launched in 2019, with the company now holding approximately 2.5% of its total ordinary shares outstanding as self-owned treasury stock. Michael Collins of EquiNova Capital … Continue reading
European Commission Approves D’Ieteren’s Acquisition of PHE
The European Commission has approved D’Ieteren’s acquisition of PHE following an investigation into what the development would mean for competition in France’s auto glass repair and replacement industry. While the commission expressed competition concerns, D’Ieteren received approval after agreeing to … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, D’leteren, European Commission, France, Safelite
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Former Safelite President and CEO Tom Feeney Retires
On June 30, Tom Feeney will retire from Safelite after a 35-year career with the auto glass company. Feeny previously served as president and CEO for 14 years, and was credited for the company’s significant growth during that time. Feeney … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group Resumes Buy Back of Shares, Sets Future Plans
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, the owner of Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions in the United States, continued its plan this week to buy back shares for nine to 12 months. The Group’s board of directors decided in … Continue reading
Belron and AGC Comment on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The war between Russia and Ukraine has put lives — and businesses — on hold. Belron, which owns and operates Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions in the U.S., operates glass services under Carglass® in one location in Ukraine. In November … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGC, auto glass, Belron, Economy, Russia, Sanctions, Ukraine, windscreens
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Belron: New Shareholders, CD&R Changes Name in Partnership
Belron, which operates Safelite® AutoGlass and Autoglass®, welcomed new shareholders on December 17. As previously reported, Hellman & Friedman, BlackRock Private Equity Partners and GIC joined the company’s list of shareholders with the completion of the acquisition of a combined … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 2022, Belron, D'Ieteren Group, shareholders
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D’Ieteren Group Outlook is Continued Growth
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, showed a strong recovery in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020. Belron operates Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions. According to a statement, all businesses owned by the Group contributed to its … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, COVID19, D'Ieteren Group, financials, Safelite
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Lucky 13? D’Ieteren Group Sells 13% to New Shareholders
D’Ieteren Group announced Sunday July 11 that Hellman & Friedman, BlackRock-Managed Funds and GIC are joining the company’s list of shareholders and will acquire up to a total of 13 percent of Belron. This ownership change will give Belron at … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Autoglass, Belron, Carglass, D’Ieteren, Safelite
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Mutares Completes the Acquisition of the Majority Stake in Carglass® Maison Group from Belron
Mutares Completes the Acquisition of the Majority Stake in Carglass® Maison Group from Belron
Belron Allocates New Term Loans
Global auto glass company Belron, parent company of Safelite AutoGlass in the U.S., has launched a syndication in the institutional loan market for new term loans on a best effort basis. According to the company, the new loans of $2.6 … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, D'Ieteren Group, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Profits Rise Despite Pandemic and Decreased Sales
D’Ieteren Group presented its full-year 2020 results, including those of Belron (which owns Safelite Autoglass in the United States). Belron’s organic sales declined by 7.5%, though the Group’s profit before tax improved significantly by 44.6% due in part to what … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, COVID, D'Ieteren Group, Safelite AutoGlass
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Autoglass Extends LeasePlan UK Contract
Autoglass, whose parent company is Belron and is headquartered in the UK, announced a two-year extension to its partnership with LeasePlan UK. The renewal of the contract will see Autoglass continue offering its auto glass repair, replacement and recalibration services … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Autoglass, Belron, Greg Stansfield, LeasePlan UK
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Cary Group gets a New Head of Sales
John Bernfell took to social media to announce that he is the new group head of sales for Cary Group, a Swedish-owned company that provides auto care solutions including windshields. Bernfell, who previously worked for Carglass Sweden, whose parent company … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Belron, Carglass Sweden, Cary Group, John Bernfell
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Autoglass Raised Over €1.7M for Charity
Autoglass, alongside sister companies from around the world, announced it has raised over €1.7 ($2,002,532 USD) million for global charity partner Afrika Tikkun at the 2020 Spirit of Belron challenge. This year the event took place virtually for the first … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Afrika Tikkun, Autoglass, Belron, Spirit of Belron, Taxiarchis Konstantopoulos
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Companies on Alert for Potential Scam Emails
An email sent out this morning on behalf of Belron International, Safelite’s parent company, from Humphrey Singer may contain malware. The email contained two attachments, however, it listed “belrone.com” as the sending address, which is not a valid domain, according … Continue reading
Safelite Announces Layoffs and Other Measures in Response to COVID-19
Safelite president and CEO Tom Feeney announced major company changes today, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the auto glass industry. According to Feeney, the company has experienced unprecedented change brought on by unimaginable circumstances. “COVID-19 is a major … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, changes, COVID-19, New Mexico Governor, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Belron Appoints New CFO
Belron, parent company of Safelite Auto Glass, has recently announced Humphrey Singer will be its new chief finance officer. According to Belron, Singer will succeed Dave Meller, who decided to leave Belron after 17 years and will be working closely … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Belron, Dave Meller, Gary Lubner, Humphrey Singer, new CFO
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Wilson vs. Safelite Lawsuit Comes to an End Through Court of Appeals
The United States’ Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals three judge panel ruled to dismiss Dan Wilson’s lawsuit which highlighted employee benefit plan issues at Safelite Group, Inc. (Safelite) last week. “This dispute centers on what constitutes an employee pension benefit … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Dan Wilson, ERISA, retirement lawsuit, Safelite, Safelite Plan, TIP
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Belron and AGC Sign Auto Glass Repair and Replacement Franchise Agreement
The Belron group and AGC Automotive Europe (AGC) signed a franchise agreement covering the AGC vehicle glass repair and replacement (VGRR) operations in Poland and Czech Republic. AGC currently operates 37 VGRR locations in Poland under the NordGlass brand and … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGC, AGC Automotive Europe, Belron, Michel Spina, Nigel Doggett, Poland, VGRR
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Belron Group Celebrates Its Largest Distribution Center’s Grand Opening
Belron officially opened its new European distribution center in Bilzen, Belgium. According to the company, it’s the largest distribution warehouse of its kind in the world, holding 300,000 windscreens and six million parts and accessories. The new center manages deliveries … Continue reading
Axel Miller Leaves D’Ieteren
Due to a disagreement on visions D’Ieteren’s future, its board of directors announced today that Axel Miller will leave his position as CEO, managing director and other positions he held within the company and its subsidiaries. Belron owns Safelite Autoglass … Continue reading
Belron Annual Report Shows Another Upswing
Belron reported another successful year of growth in its annual report. The company credits its Fit for Growth program and selling its operations in Russia and Turkey as contributing to the increases in its fourth quarter. Belron owns Safelite Autoglass … Continue reading
D’Ietern Annual Results Show Overall Growth
D’Ietern’s full yearly results showed growth in areas including its automotive division. The international company owns a majority share in Belron, the parent company of Safelite Autoglass. There were several points of interest the company highlighted within its report regarding … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 2018 full year report, Belron, D'Ietern, D’Ieteren Auto, financial repot, KPI, Sales
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Ronald Lubner, Belron Founder Passes Away
Ronald (Ronnie) Lubner passed away December 27th in South Africa after a brief illness at age 84. He was the second generation behind the PG Group (formerly Plate Glass) which he joined as a teenager and was the driving force … Continue reading
Ronald Lubner, Belron Founder Passes Away
Ronald (Ronnie) Lubner passed away December 27th in South Africa after a brief illness at age 84. To view the official release, click here. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Belron International, Ronnie Lubner
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Belron’s $455 Million Term Loan Takes Shape
Belron’s latest multi-million dollar transaction is set to close early next week. According to the company, it successfully allocated a term loan of $455 million. Some of the loan requirements include its total amount being $400 euros, in addition to … Continue reading
Belron Launches New $455 Million Loan
Belron is launching a 7-year “Term Loan B” of approximately $455 million U.S. dollars (400 million Euro). The term loan is intended to be denominated in USD and would be issued by Belron Finance US LLC. The proceeds of the term … Continue reading
Belron Half Year Results Provide Interesting Nuggets
D’Ietern’s half yearly results, released on August 30, included all the usual financial reports and ratios you would expect from a large international company. D’Iteren owns Belron, the parent company of Safelite Autoglass. There were some interesting nuggets of information … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Belron first half 2018, D'Ietern, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Seeing an Upswing For Half of 2018
Belron has grown for the first half of 2018, according to the company’s first half financial reports released last week. Its combined sales reached $2,274.95 million, up by 8.3 percent. The company’s consolidated result before taxes jumped nearly 6 percent, … Continue reading
Half-Year Results Show Increase for D’Ieteren
D’Ieteren has seen consistent growth for the first half of 2018, according to the company’s second half financial reports released today. It’s adjusted result before tax group’s share increased by 17.8 percent. The company’s adjusted result before tax, group’s share … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 2018 half year results, auto sales, Belron, D’Ieteren
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Feeney: Reports on My Demise are False
Tom Feeney thinks he and Mark Twain have something in common. The Safelite CEO echoes one of the Midwest’s most prolific writers, saying that reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. In a wide-ranging interview with glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine on … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Feeney Demise, Nigel Doggett, Ralph Hosker, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Belron’s Ten Week Startup Program
Three startups were featured in Belron’s Drive With Belron program in hopes of gaining future investments. Belron teamed up with L Marks for this project and have a combined total of $227,341 to invest in the startups. At the end … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Bonobo, Drive with Belron, RightInDem, Soft Edge, startup
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Belron Reports Increased Sales in First Quarter Trading Update
Belron’s sales rose 4.1 percent in 2018’s first-quarter trading update, the company reported this week. That figure represents a 9.6 percent organic increase. The company said its consumer base also grew to 4.2 million served. That’s an increase of 7.2 … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass, Belron, Belron First Quarter 2018, car glass, Safelite
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Belron Says 2017 Was Extraordinary in Annual Report
Belron released its 2017 annual report and Gary Lubner, CEO, reported several achievements. Among them was the fact that the company extended its services into home repair, added a new shareholder and expanded the company’s Safelite Solutions program. The report … Continue reading
Belron Announces 2018 Drive Cohort
Belron has selected four startup companies to work with in its annual “Drive with Belron Programme.” “They will be helping us to think differently and trial innovative solutions to Belron’s market challenges,” writes the company. The four startup companies chosen … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Belron, Bonobo, RightInDem, SoftEdge, WorkTango
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Belron Makes Deal with Smart-Location Application Company
Belron has signed a global deal with Locpin, a smart-location application company that makes a solution designed to help technicians find the vehicle requiring repair. The partnership follows a trial between the companies working together in the United States. In … Continue reading
Belron Net Debt Up, 2018 Outlook
In D’Ieteren’s annual report issued February 28, Belron, parent company to Safelite AutoGlass, reported that its net financial debt increased in 2017 to $1 billion (EUR 1,271.9 million), a 54-percent increase on a year-over-year basis. Belron’s refinancing was complete in … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, D'Ieteren Group, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Experienced Strong Sales Growth, Despite a Slow Start for Safelite
Belron’s revenue increased by 5.5 percent in comparison to 2016, despite a mild winter in the United States, which negatively impacted Safelite’s sales in the first quarter, according to D’Ieteren’s 2017 financial report. D’Ieteren, a Belgium-based company, owns Belron, which … Continue reading
Autoglass Launches Artificial Intelligence Technology
Autoglass, a vehicle glass repair and replacement company based in the UK and owned by Belron, says it has successfully trialed the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assess the severity of vehicle glass damage. The company says this can … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged artificial intelligence, Autoglass, Belron, windshield, windshield replacement
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Belron Enters an Agreement to Acquire the Assets and Operations of Laser Group in Australia and New Zealand
In alignment with its service extension strategy, Belron, parent company to Safelite AutoGlass, has entered into an agreement to acquire Laser Plumbing and Electrical Group ANZ (Laser Group). The company is a provider of plumbing and electrical services to both … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Laser Group, Safelite
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Belron Continues Start-up Accelerator Program
Belron, parent company of Safelite, in partnership with L Marks, announced recently that it plans to run its “Drive with Belron” startup accelerator program for a third year. The program, which accepts applicants from six continents including North America, is … Continue reading
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Sign Definitive Agreement with D’Ieteren
D’Ieteren announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) regarding a partnership investment in Belron, parent company of Safelite AutoGlass. Under the agreement, CD&R will acquire 40-percent ownership interest in the Belron group, and D’Ieteren … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Clayton Dubilier & Rice, D’Ieteren, Hertz, Safelite AutoGlass
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D’Ieteren and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Enter Exclusive Discussions Regarding Partnership Investment in Belron
D’Ieteren and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), a global private investment firm, announced that they have entered into exclusive discussions under which CD&R-managed funds would acquire a 40-percent ownership interest in the Belron group. Under the proposed agreement, D’Ieteren and … Continue reading
Belron Enters the Home Repair Market in Europe
Belron has announced the acquisition of 80 percent of the shares of Maisoning Group, a French company providing home repair services (repair, renovation and emergency repairs) to both B2C and B2B customers. This acquisition is fully aligned to Belron’s service … Continue reading
Belron’s Sales Increase, U.S. Profit Falls Slightly
Belgium-based D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron, which owns Safelite AutoGlass, reported that its automotive repair and replacement business, before taxes, reached $109.6 million USD (92 million EUR), up 6.2 percent over the previous year, according to the company’s half-year report. … Continue reading
Safelite Responds to Campfield’s Complaint
Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment LLC have responded to complaints made by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond, in his 2015 lawsuit against the company alleging it utilizes misleading advertising, damaging his business and depriving consumers of the … Continue reading
Lubner Discusses State of Belron in D’Ieteren Annual Report
Belron continues to face a declining market in a number of developed economies, says Belron CEO Gary Lubner in D’Ieteren’s 2016 annual report. This, he says, is due to a reduced number of auto glass repairs and replacement due to … Continue reading
Belron: Cashflow Snapshot
Belron released its 2016 financial results earlier this week and today glassBYTES offers a look at its cash flow for the company’s vehicle segment. Statement of Cash Flows for Belron (Vehicle Glass Operating Segment) in millions of US Dollars Cash … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Full Financial Report and Break Down of 2016
The 2016 financial statement released by the Belgian company s.a. D’Ieteren n.v., (D’Ieteren) on Monday provides a fascinating look at its diverse holdings, including its vehicle glass division, known as Belron. Belron also owns Safelite AutoGlass in the United States. According to the report, Belron serves 33 countries worldwide through its 2400 branches and 10,000 mobile vans. It trades under more than 10 major brand names including Carglass® and Autoglass®, as well as Safelite AutoGlass. Continue reading
D’Ieteren Reports Successful Market Growth in 2016
D’Ieteren has reported a strong financial year in both sales and growth. Belgium-based D’Ieteren owns Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass in the U.S. The company credits its progress to market trends, to a Belron gain in market share … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Trading Update Reports Belron Impairments
The owner of the world’s largest auto glass company released its trading update, which included an announcement of a $139 million USD (134 million Euro) impairment charge against that auto glass provider, Belron. Continue reading
Autoglass® Helps Raise More Than 1 Million Euros for Charity
The Autoglass® two-day Spirit of Belron® Challenge, held September 23-24 in the United Kingdom, raised more than €1 million ($1.1 million USD) for the charity Afrika Tikkun. Continue reading
D’Ieteren to Acquire 41 Percent Stake in Moleskine, Plans Public Takeover Offer
Belgium-based D’Ieteren is acquiring a 41 percent stake in Milan-based Moleskine—a developer and seller of specialized notebooks, as well as writing, travel and reading accessories—and plans to launch a public takeover offer for the remaining shares. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Autoglass, Belron, D’Ieteren, Moleskine, Safelite
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Former Safelite Group CEO Files Complaint Against the Company
Dan Wilson, former president and CEO of Belron U.S. and Safelite Group, has filed a complaint against the company alleging that its nonqualified deferred compensation plan was mismanaged, causing him to lose millions of dollars in owed income taxes, penalty and interest. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Dan Wilson, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite Group
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U.S. Bolsters Belron’s Same-Store Growth
Belron’s organic sales growth of 4.6 percent was mainly driven by the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, according to D’Ieteren’s half-year update. Belgium-based D’Ieteren owns Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass in the U.S. Belron’s sales were … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Half Year Results, Safelite AutoGlass
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Updated: Brexit Impact on the AGRR Industry Remains to Be Seen
With Britain slated to leave the European Union (EU) following a national referendum popularly known as Brexit, much uncertainty remains. This is particularly true for London-based companies such as Belron, which has both a European and global presence. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Brexit, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Attributes Same-Store Growth Largely to U.S.
Belron’s organic sales from continuing operations grew 6 percent in the first quarter thanks in large part to continued market gains in the United States, according to D’Ieteren’s first quarter update. Belgium-based D’Ieteren owns Belron, which in turn owns Safelite … Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Markets Through Online Content
Safelite AutoGlass appears to be investing in paid advertorials and native advertising to ramp up its market share. The company is utilizing paid search and “significantly” investing in digital advertising, said Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron, in D’Ieteren’s annual 2015 report. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged advertorial, AGRR, Belron, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, native advertising, Safelite AutoGlass
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Autoglass® Names New Executives
United Kingdom-based Autoglass® has appointed Nick Cleary and Sarah Ringrose to the newly created roles of customer and digital director, as well as head of customer experience, respectively. Autoglass® is owned by Belron. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Autoglass, Belron, glassBYTEs.com, Nick Cleary, Sarah Ringrose
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Safelite AutoGlass Donates $340,000 to Afrika Tikkun Charity
A record-setting $340,000 raised from the 7th Annual Safelite Challenge will be donated to Afrika Tikkun, a charitable organization co-founded by Bertie Lubner who also was the co-founder of Safelite AutoGlass’ parent company, Belron. Continue reading
Lubner Discusses Belron Trends in D’Ieteren’s Annual Report
Belron faces declining market conditions in many countries, though, a second strong winter in the United States in 2015 helped to bolster business, says Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron, in D’Ieteren’s annual 2015 report. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Calibration, Carglass® France, D’Ieteren, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Says Safelite AutoGlass Served a Record Number of Customers
“2015 was a much better year for Belron,” according to D’Ieteren’s 2015 financial report. Belron’s sales were up 13.2 percent, including a 4.7 percent organic increase and an 8.1 percent positive currency translation impact. Belgium-based D’Ieteren owns Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass in the United States. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Annual 2015 Financials, Annual 2015 Report, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass, Sales
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Belgium Terrorist Attacks Occur in D’Ieteren’s Backyard
More than 30 people have died and dozens more injured in terrorists attacks carried out at an airport and metro station in Brussels, Belgium, today. This news hits home for the AGRR industry because the city is headquarters to D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass in the United States. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belgium, Belron, Brussels, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Terror Attack, Terrorist
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Belron Credits U.S. for Bolstering Sales
Repair and replacement jobs for Belron increased by 3.2 percent to 10.9 million in 2015, primarily due to a harsh winter in the United States which saw more replacements versus repairs, D’Ieteren management said in their annual report. D’Ieteren is parent company of Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass (SAG) in the United States. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 2015, AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Repair and replacement jobs
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Belron Partners with Advisia in Brazil
Belron has teamed up with Advisia Investimentos to form a joint venture in Brazil. Under the agreement, the automotive glass repair and replacement unit of D’Ieteren sold 60 percent of its investment in Carglass Brazil to Advisia for $1.08 million USD (€1 million in Euros). Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Advisia Investimentos, AGRR, Belron, Brazil, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs
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What Were the Top Stories of 2015?
From driverless vehicles to criminal charges, acquisitions and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, 2015 was a big year for the AGRR industry. News from the big technology show in Las Vegas—CES—Safelite, C.R. Laurence, Belron, Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) and … Continue reading
TODAY’S BLOG: Recalibration Bowl
“It is that time of year again when the college football bowl season begins and the NFL starts their road to the Super Bowl. During the season, our teams raise our hopes through inspired plays and then deflate some of those hopes with bad performances (with the possible except of the Carolina Panthers). We have cheered when our teams played well and cried when they fumbled the ball. We understand that wins and losses are part of the game.” —Bob Beranek Continue reading
Posted in Linked Story
Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Journal, Belron, Bob Beranek, Calibration, glassBYTEs.com, recalibration, Technically Speaking
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Lubner: The U.S. Is Belron’s Success Story
“Will glass breakage stop and go to zero? Absolutely not. But we have seen breakage decline and we’ve seen it over a number of years. We’re not seeing it change,” said Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron during an investor day conference for D’Ieteren held last week in London. As demand for AGRR services declined worldwide, what has helped drive the company’s growth from 5.3 million AGRR jobs in 2005 to 11 million in 2014? The answer: United States-based Safelite, according to the CEO. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Investor Conference, Safelite
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Belron Analyzes Technology’s Impact on Windshields in New Report
Could AGRR technicians of the future need tools such as Google Glass to “ensure that they have the expertise to create a perfect fit for any windshield in any car no matter what technology it contains?” Belron’s management thinks this could be the case in a new report called “Window to the Future.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Autoglass, Belron, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Google Glass, Window to the Future
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Belron’s U.K. Company Autoglass® Launches ADAS Calibration Protocol
United Kingdom-based Autoglass® has launched a solution to replace and recalibrate windshields equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The program is in the piloting process and will be soon rolled-out throughout the country. Continue reading
D’Ieteren Auto Launches Website Addressing VW Emissions Questions
D’Ieteren, which owns Belron (parent of Safelite AutoGlass), has launched a website devoted to Volkswagen emissions questions for its auto distribution division in Belgium. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, D’Ieteren Auto, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass, Volkswagen emissions
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VW Emissions Scandal Could Impact D’Ieteren’s Business
D’Ieteren’s management is keeping a close eye on the development of Volkswagen’s emissions scandal. D’Ieteren, which owns Belron (parent of Safelite AutoGlass), also owns an auto division which distributes Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda vehicles throughout Belgium. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, D’Ieteren Auto, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass, Volkswagen, VW Emissions
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Safelite Helps to Bolster Belron’s Half-Year Sales
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported six-month consolidated results before taxes for its automotive repair and replacement business reached $90.3 million USD (80.4 million EUR), up 60.2 percent over the prior year, mostly due to increased sales in the United States, tight cost control and the impact of restructuring in Europe, according to the company’s report. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Belron Expands into Five Additional Countries
Belron, parent company to United States-based Safelite AutoGlass, has expanded into Latvia, the Balkans, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia through franchise arrangements. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Balkans, Belron, Bosnia, glassBYTEs.com, Kosovo, Latvia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Acquires Autotaalglas in the Netherlands
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 … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Autotaalglas, Belron, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Pieter van Spaendonck, Safelite AutoGlass
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D’Ieteren: Belron’s AGRR Jobs Down in First Quarter, New CFO on Board
D’Ieteren today reported the company’s first quarter 2015 results. The publicly traded Belguim-based owner of Belron, (the parent of Safelite AutoGlass in the United States) reported that the number of automotive glass repair or replacement jobs it completed worldwide were down 4 percent to 2.6 million. Organic growth for the first quarter this year was flat with only a .9 percent increase over the same period in 2014. Total first quarter 2015 sales for Belron are 10.2 percent higher than the prior year, mostly due to currency exchange rates. The 10.2 percent growth included the 0.9 percent of organic growth, 0.2 percent from acquisitions and 10.1 percent from positive currency translation effect. This was partially offset by a 1.0 percent decline due to one less trading day in the first quarter of 2015 than in 2014. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, First Quarter 2015, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass
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D’Ieteren Releases 2014 Annual Report
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, has released its 2014 annual report with a Belron chapter titled “Responding to Market Challenges.” A portion of the 166-page report, including a Q&A section with Gary Lubner, Belron’s CEO, is devoted to the business trends for the company’s automotive glass repair and replacement business, which includes Safelite AutoGlass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Belron, D’Ieteren, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Autoglass Survey: U.K. Drivers Do Not Realize Importance of Windshields
Windshields can account for up to 30 percent of the structural integrity of a car, yet drivers are “largely unaware of the safety risked posed by compromised windshields,” according to a statement from United Kingdom-based Autoglass, which is a part of Belron. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Autoglass, Belron, glassBYTEs.com, Importance of Windshield, Jeremy Rochfort
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D’Ieteren Releases Financial Results
D’Ieteren released its financial reports for full-year 2014 today. The company’s full-year sales for the automotive glass repair and replacement division are up 1.3 percent. D’Ieteren is the parent company of Belron, which owns Safelite. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Belron Reports Non-Cash Impairment Charge of $121.9 Million USD
After an annual review of goodwill and intangible assets by D’Ieteren, it is reporting a non-cash impairment charge for Belron of $121.9 million USD (€98 Euros), which “will be necessary in relation to the activities of Belron in the United Kingdom and in China.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Autoglass U.K., Belron, Carglass, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, goodwill, impairment charge
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Autoglass U.K. Eyes Mobile AGRR Business Model
Autoglass U.K., which is owned by Belron, appears to be transitioning to an all mobile service model. Approximately 180 employees may be let go as a part of this change, according to a company spokesperson. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Autoglass U.K., automotive glass, Belron, glassBYTEs.com, Mobile
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Report: Autoglass U.K. to Close 100 Locations
United Kingdom-based Autoglass, which is owned by Belron, is closing 100 locations and going to a mobile service platform, according to a local report. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Autoglass U.K., Belron, glassBYTEs.com, Mobile Only
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D’Ieteren Announces Repurchase of Shares
D’Ieteren, parent company to Safelite and Belron, has purchased 17,313 treasury shares at an average price of €28.14 in Euros per share on Euronext Brussels from October 14-22, 2014. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Belron’s Six-Month Sales Down 0.5 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reports that six-month sales for the automotive glass repair and replacement division are down 0.5 percent. The “extreme winter weather in the U.S. and market share gains in a majority of countries,” bolstered results. However, an “exceptionally mild winter weather in Northern Europe” had a negative impact. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Six-Month Sales, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Belron’s First-Quarter Sales Up 1 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported that first quarter automotive glass repair and replacement sales were one percent higher over the same period of 2013 largely due to a 3.1 percent organic increase and 2.2 percent growth from acquisitions. Sales were negatively impacted by “unexpected unfavorable weather conditions in Northern Europe, which resulted in temporary overcapacity in those geographies,” officials wrote in the company’s report. Continue reading
D’Ieteren Outlines Belron’s Business in General Presentation
In a presentation earlier this year available on the web, D’Ieteren’s management delved into how Belron contributes to the parent company. The company has two main divisions—Belron and D’Ieteren Auto. Belron, its vehicle glass repair and replacement business, which includes Safelite, contributes 52 percent of sales to the parent company, while its operating result represents 79 percent of business. Ninety-four percent of the company’s staff falls into the Belron category—25,645 individuals. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com
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Belron Selects Coprocess’ for Netting Software
Belron recently chose multilateral netting software hosted by Coprocess. The system will encompass Belron Group’s treasury operations, including Autoglass and Carglass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, Belron, Coprocess, glassBYTEs.com, netting software
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Belron Says Full-Year AGRR Jobs Grew
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported today that full-year 2013 automotive glass repair and replacement jobs are up by 4.6 percent to 10.8 million. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Annual Results, D-Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Glass Medic to Serve Belron and Safelite Exclusively
Belron is closing Glass Medic’s Columbus, Ohio, distribution center. The company will now serve Belron’s business units exclusively, including Safelite, according to Melina Metzger, public relations manager for Safelite.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Belron Technical, Glass Medic, Melina Metzger, Safelite
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Beckers Appointed Independent Director to D’Ieteren Board
The D’Ieteren Board of Directors has appointed Pierre-Olivier Beckers by co-optation as an independent director. The ratification of this appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ordinary general meeting on June 5, 2014. D’Ieteren is the parent company for Belron and Safelite. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Cobepa, Delhaize Group, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, Roland D’Ieteren, Safelite
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Safelite Group Announces Gerry Tann’s Retirement
Safelite® Group announces the retirement of Gerry Tann, vice president of field sales, as of September 26, 2013. Tann joined Safelite 23 years ago and has served in many roles, including assistant vice president of Service AutoGlass® and commercial and … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Belron, Cindy Rowe, Elite Auto Glass, Gerry Tann, Giant Glass, Klein-Dickert, Royal Glass, Safelite, Windshield World
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