Nov. 19, 2019—The Automotive Training Institute (ATI), a coaching and consulting company for the automotive industry, has been acquired by Driven Brands, according to an email the company sent to its vendors, obtained by Ratchet+Wrench.
A message from Richard Menneg, president of ATI, to vendor partners, said in part:
"ATI’s lifelong focus has always been to help our members realize their profits and dreams with the best coaching and training available. Providing a high-value member experience has been our top priority. But for years we have also believed that in order to take ATI to our next level we needed and wanted help. Our choices were to partner with either a strategic company that could leverage what we have accomplished in consulting and training or a private equity firm that could infuse capital to help us grow organically. We chose strategic."
Menneg's statement went on:
"We see this as a significant opportunity which provides ATI with resources, global buying power and industry reach, positioning us to even better serve our members and preferred suppliers.
ATI will continue to operate under the ATI name, with the existing management team, with headquarters in Linthicum, MD.
Our Preferred Supplies are as important as ever to the success of ATI and our membership. We look forward to partnering together in an even bigger way in the months and years to come."
The announcement comes a day after the company said it had acquired Quebec-based Clairus Group, an automotive glass distributor and replacement company. Driven is owned by Roark Capital Group. The company's holdings include brands like Take 5 Oil Change, Meineke, Econo Lube N’ Tune and Brakes and others.
The story will be updated as more information becomes available.
