Driven Brands

7 10, 2022

Driven Brands Doubles U.S. Take 5 Oil Change® Franchise Locations in Last 12 months Supported by Consumer Demand and Compelling Economics

2022-10-07T10:27:32-04:00October 7th, 2022|Tags: , , |

Take 5 Oil Change® expands total footprint to over 800 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with over 950 additional locations in pipeline, providing a multiyear runway for growth.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: DRVN) (“Driven Brands” or the “Company”) the largest automotive aftermarket company in North America, announced today that Take 5 Oil Change® opened its 200th U.S. franchised location this week, in Hutto, Texas. Ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2022 list of the Fastest-Growing Franchises, Take 5 Oil Change® has doubled its U.S. franchise store count over the last year.

Since acquiring Take 5 Oil Change® in 2016 with its differentiated fast, friendly, 10-minute stay-in-you-car oil change model, Driven Brands has scaled the business from less than 50 locations to more than 800 company-operated and franchised locations across the U.S. and Canada today. Franchise openings have accelerated as the differentiated speed and service of the Take 5 Oil Change® offering continues to resonate with consumers and drive strong unit level economics and high return on investment.

“The Take 5 Oil Change® team has done a phenomenal job at taking a differentiated go-to-market strategy and building it into one of the most well-respected brands in the category. We offer a simple operating model with compelling unit level economics and operate in a highly fragmented industry that provides us with a significant runway for growth,” said Danny Rivera, EVP and Group President of Maintenance at Driven Brands. “That momentum has continued with an expanded pipeline of over 950 future locations, primarily franchised, that provide us strong visibility into unit growth over the next few years.”

Take 5 Oil Change® franchisees are often multi-unit developers and operators who commit to opening multiple locations in a geographic region. Given the strong return on investment, many franchisees are already signing their second multi-location development agreement. The 200th U.S. franchisee, Larry King is a longtime CARSTAR® franchise owner, who expanded his Driven Brands relationship to also own and manage four Take 5 Oil Change® locations, with two more to open later this year.

Take 5 Oil Change® is a quick lube service featuring a unique drive-thru concept that allows customers to never leave the comfort of their car. It offers a convenience to retail and commercial customers with a simple operating model and focused menu that enables industry-leading speed of service.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives of management, and expected market growth are forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (i) our strategy, outlook and growth prospects; (ii) our operational and financial targets and dividend policy; (iii) general economic trends and trends in the industry and markets; and (iv) the competitive environment in which we operate. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead represent our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk factors that are described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on its website at www.sec.gov. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands™, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the largest automotive services company in North America, providing a range of consumer and commercial automotive needs, including paint, collision, glass, vehicle repair, oil change, maintenance and car wash. Driven Brands is the parent company of some of North America’s leading automotive service businesses including Take 5 Oil Change®, Take 5 Car Wash®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, Maaco®, 1-800-Radiator & A/C®, and CARSTAR®. Driven Brands has more than 4,600 locations across 15 countries, and services over 50 million vehicles annually. Driven Brands’ network generates more than $1.7 billion in annual revenue from more than $5.0 billion in system-wide sales.

Established in 1984, Take 5 Oil Change® is a quick lube service featuring a unique drive-thru concept that allows customers to never leave the comfort of their car. The brand offers an on average 10-minute oil change service and ancillary services such as air filter replacement, wiper blade changes, and coolant exchanges. Take 5 has more than 800 company-owned and franchised service centers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.take5oilchange.com.

10 11, 2021

Study Shows 70 Percent of Consumers Report Transparency Is “Very Important” When Selecting an Automotive Repair Shop

2021-11-10T10:51:53-05:00November 10th, 2021|Tags: , , |

Meineke’s eInspection Tool Meets Need by Providing Customers with Real-Time Updates.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four out of five consumers say transparency is “very important” when choosing an automotive repair shop, according to a new Maru public opinion poll.

The researchers’ findings boost the argument that new technologies, such as Meineke’s® eInspection  offering, are crucial in fostering transparency and building trust with consumers. Thanks to the commitment to transparency, customers are empowered to make informed decisions about auto repair services straight from their phones, when they receive real-time service updates, inspection pictures and repair videos from Meineke technicians.

The study showed that consumers want more from their auto repair shop than regular service alone, and local Meineke franchisees have experienced customers’ preferences firsthand.

“Now more than ever, my customers want to know exactly what is going on with their vehicle,” said Bert Figearo, who owns 22 Meineke centers in Las Vegas. “They want transparency about the pricing of our repair services, and they want to understand the work that is being done on their vehicle.”

The eInspection tool allows customers to better understand services offered and recommended, including oil changes, exhaust and mufflers, brakes, tires and wheels, air conditioning, steering and suspension, and more. As a result, customers can make informed choices about their vehicles.

The survey, conducted in early October, assessed consumers’ preferences when selecting an automotive repair shop. Researchers also found that more than half of consumers are more likely to choose an auto repair shop that offers a loyalty program (59 percent) and gives back to its local community (54 percent).

“At Meineke, we’re proud to offer eInspection and a rewards program, so that our customers can see what technicians are working on in the garage, and they can earn points toward free maintenance services,” said Kaitlin O’Malley, digital marketing manager for Meineke. “We’re also excited that consumers share our commitment to supporting charitable organizations like Operation Homefront, which provides financial relief to military families in need.”

Consumers interested in visiting their local franchise can learn more about Meineke’s® eInspection, Rewards Program, philanthropic work and services at www.Meineke.com.

About the Survey
From October 1st to October 2nd 2021 an online survey of 1,519 randomly selected American adults who are Maru Springboard America Community panel members was executed by Maru/Blue. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been weighted by education, age, gender and region to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of America. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands™, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is the largest automotive services company in North America, providing a range of consumer and commercial automotive needs, including paint, collision, glass, vehicle repair, oil change, maintenance and car wash. Driven Brands is the parent company of some of North America’s leading automotive service businesses including  Take 5 Oil Change®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, Maaco®, 1-800-Radiator & A/C® and CARSTAR®. Driven Brands has more than 4,300 locations across 15 countries and services over 50 million vehicles annually. Driven Brands’ network generates more than $1 billion in revenue from more than $4 billion in system-wide sales. For more information on the power of Driven Brands, visit www.DrivenBrands.com.

14 10, 2021

Merlin Complete Auto Care Launches New Website

2021-10-14T10:07:57-04:00October 14th, 2021|Tags: , , , , |

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — After months of hard work and dedication from our team, Merlin Complete Auto Care is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at www.merlins.com!

Customer experience is something we value at Merlin Complete Auto Care. We want every customer to have a great impression of our brand and walk away knowing they received the best service. With that in mind, we crafted a brand-new website that is easy to navigate and since you can find all the necessary information you need it saves you time.

Our brand transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Getting our customers’ cars to 200,000 miles takes lots of care and commitment — and a little bit of magic. Our brand highlights the moments built from “Merlin Magic,” both with the car owner and the technicians that extend the life of the owner’s car. It is these moments that separate a traditional automotive service experience from a magical one.

Some key features of the new site to note are:

  • Advanced location searching
  • Updated offers by location
  • Robust appointment setting
  • Franchise opportunities

“We are excited to announce the launch of our new website,” said Valerie Zabriskie, Marketing Director at Merlin Complete Auto Care. “Our goal with this new website is to improve the customer’s journey through clear messaging of all our services and new navigation designed for ease of use.”

Merlin Complete Auto Care invites visitors to explore the new website allowing customers to fully see all the services Merlin has to offer.

About Merlin Complete Auto Care:     

With over 4200 centers in North America, Merlin Complete Auto Care is part of the Driven Brands family of companies. We offer a neighborhood approach to automotive service and provide both repair and maintenance services as well as tire services.

For more information, visit www.merlins.com.

20 11, 2020

Merlin Complete Auto Care Small Business Wins Synchrony Pillars Project Awards

2020-11-20T10:19:03-05:00November 20th, 2020|Tags: , , , , |

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. — Merlin Complete Auto Care today announced that small business owner, Muffadal Simba, has won a Synchrony Pillars Project award from Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company. Muffadal Simba has supported the Glendale Heights community through times of change. As a winner he will receive a $10,000 prize to grow his business and honor its resiliency and ability to transform the lives of those in their communities.

“Muffadel Simba’s community service has been a guide that we can all hope to emulate,” said Abraham Nunez, General Manager of Merlin Complete Auto Care. “On behalf of the Merlin team, we are proud of his business and community accomplishments.”

“He has been an inspiration of care and support to those in need in the community of Glendale Heights,” said Valerie Zabriskie, Marketing Director at Merlin Complete Auto Care. “This award is a testament to Muffadel’s extraordinary character; we are proud to have him in the Merlin family.”

“A 2020 Synchrony Pillar is someone who brings bold new thinking to the table, a leader who is passionate about their community and supports it through the ups and downs,” said Neeraj Mehta, CEO, Payment Solutions, Synchrony. “We are honored to recognize this year’s award winners for their successes and how they are changing what’s possible for their business and community.”

About Synchrony

Synchrony is a premier consumer financial services company. We deliver a wide range of specialized financing programs, as well as innovative consumer banking products, across key industries including digital, retail, home, auto, travel, health and pet. Synchrony enables our partners to grow sales and loyalty with consumers. We are one of the largest issuers of private label credit cards in the United States; we also offer co-branded products, installment loans and consumer financing products for small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as healthcare providers.

Synchrony is changing what’s possible through our digital capabilities, deep industry expertise, actionable data insights, frictionless customer experience and customized financing solutions.

For more information, visit www.synchrony.com and Twitter: @Synchrony

About Merlin Complete Auto Care

With over 3500 centers in North America, Merlin Complete Auto Care is part of the Driven Brands family of companies. Locally-owned and operated in Glendale Heights, Illinois, franchise owner Simba Muffadal and his team are dedicated to premier service, customer education, and community service.

For more information visit: Merlins.com

6 10, 2020

Celebrating Ten Years of Putting the Brakes on Breast Cancer!

2020-10-06T10:36:04-04:00October 6th, 2020|Tags: , , , , |

Throughout October automotive repair shops across the country are looking to end breast cancer with a unique fundraising campaign.

GENEVA, Ill. — During the month of October, Merlin Complete Auto Care in Glendale Heights, IL, and more than 200 Independent Auto Repair Shops across the US are raising funds for a breast cancer vaccine as part of the Brakes for Breasts fundraiser.

As part of the fundraiser, these auto repair facilities are giving away FREE (quality) brake pads or shoes.  The customer simply pays the labor and any other ancillary parts necessary to complete the brake job and the shops then donate 10% of the brake job directly to Dr. Vincent Tuohy & the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

100% of what we donate goes directly to research!  Celebrating our 10th year and $1,000,000.00!

2020 marks the tenth year for the Brakes For Breasts fundraiser.

2011 Our 1st year – 5 shops in Ohio raised $10,000 
2012 Our 2nd year – 27 shops in 17 states raised $32,848
2013 Our 3rd year – 66 independent auto repair shops in 27 states raised $66,499
2014 Our 4th year – 143 independent auto repair shops in 29 states raised $115,236.53
2015 Our 5th year – 174 independent auto repair shops in 32 states raised $141,868
2016 Our 6th year – 131 independent auto repair shops in 35 states (most ever!) $125,867.37
2017 Our 7th year – 114 independent auto repair shops in 34 states raised $114,389.20
2018 Our 8th year – 138 independent auto repair shops in 34 states and 2 countries raised $141,061.80
2019 Our 9th year – 141 independent auto repair shops in 38 states and 2 countries raised $194,160.04

To date donation total is $940,931.74!

This Brakes For Breasts fundraiser is different from any other breast cancer fundraising campaigns:

  1. Dr. Tuohy at the Cleveland Clinic has actually created a vaccine that has proved effective in laboratory animals in actually preventing breast cancer. Think about polio, eradicated because of a vaccine, a distant memory for most generations. This is the same principle!
  2. Dr. Tuohy and his team are rounding the corner and are hoping to start Phase 1 trials in 2020.
  3. 100% of the proceeds from the ‘Brakes for Breasts’ fundraiser goes directly to the Cleveland Clinic for research on the Breast Cancer Vaccine.
  4. These are just “mom & pop” shops across the country, independent business owners that have joined hands for a great cause.

For more information about the breast cancer vaccine, Dr. Tuohy and a list of participating shops, go to www.brakesforbreasts.com, download our “Brakes for Breasts” app to your smart phone and like us on Facebook!

About Merlin Complete Auto Care:

With over 3500 centers in North America Merlin Complete Auto Care is part of the Driven Brands family of companies. Locally-owned and operated in Glendale Heights, Illinois, franchise owner Muffadal Simba and his team are dedicated to premier service, customer education, and community service.

More information visit: Merlins.com

30 01, 2020

Merlins of Glendale Heights IL, Vehicle Donation

2020-01-30T10:32:17-05:00January 30th, 2020|Tags: , , , , |

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops of Glen Ellen, IL Donates a Vehicle to Help the Bridge Communities.

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Merlin 200,000 Mile Shop of Glendale Heights is excited to donate a vehicle to a family in need. Franchise owner Muffadal Simba sought to help his community and families. As a father and husband, he understands how important family is.

The Village of Glendale Heights recommended Bridge Communities as an organization helping Glendale Heights families in need. Car donations are one of the biggest challenges that client families in the Transitional Housing Program struggle with, as well as finding and retaining a good job that will support their families.

“I am delighted that the Village was able to facilitate the connection of our local Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop and Bridge Communities,” said Mayor Linda Jackson, Mayor of Glendale Heights. “The Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop has been in the Village of Glendale Heights for quite some time, and Simba continues to demonstrate his dedication to our community and our residents.”

One of the most significant barriers to finding and keeping employment is that of unreliable transportation. Many client families enter Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program with no car or cars that soon break down. Most of these cars are not worth the cost of repairing. There is limited public transportation in DuPage County, and owning a car is a real necessity for any family. Client families use donated cars to transport themselves to work and their children to school, childcare, and activities.

“Bridge Communities provides an essential service assisting residents getting back on their feet via its many programs and housing opportunities,” said Jackson. “The pairing of these two organizations and the donation of this vehicle to our resident shows the importance and value of public and private partnerships, along with greatly assisting our resident and her family.”

On January 29th, Simba and his Merlin 200,000 Shop of Glendale Heights donated the vehicle to a Bridge Communities client family.

“We are proud to be partnered with this organization and hope that this donation will help the family with their transportation needs,” said Valerie Zabriskie, Merlin’s Marketing Director.

About Bridge Communities

 Bridge Communities is a dynamic, grassroots, non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in our community. Our program of housing, mentoring and empowering families focuses on moving them towards a goal of self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit www.bridgecommunities.org

About Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops offer a neighborhood approach to automotive service and provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tire replacement and tire services. Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000, the industry’s most comprehensive and affordable maintenance program, supports vehicle owners thousands of miles beyond the usual manufacturer’s maintenance requirements and has positioned Merlin as the leader in vehicle longevity. Founded in 1975, Merlin is headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois. In February 2014, Driven Brands™, North America’s leader in the automotive aftermarket, acquired Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. For more information, please visit www.merlins.com