CenterOak Partners has completed a majority recapitalization of Grismer Tire & Auto Service, a long-established operator of tire and automotive service centers based in Dayton, Ohio. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded more than 90 years ago, Grismer operates 28 locations across the Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati metropolitan areas. The company provides a full range of mechanical repair and preventative maintenance services, including support for electric and hybrid vehicles, and has built a strong regional reputation centered on service quality, customer trust, and competitive pricing.
CenterOak, a Dallas-based private equity firm managing approximately $2.5 billion in equity capital, focuses on control-oriented investments in middle market companies across business services, industrial services, and consumer services. The firm has prior experience in the automotive services sector through investments in CollisionRight, FullSpeed Automotive, and TruRoad.
As part of the transaction, CenterOak Operating Partner Bob Rosenfield, former CEO of TruRoad, will join Grismer’s board of directors. The investment aligns with CenterOak’s strategy of backing essential, non-discretionary service businesses benefiting from recurring demand and favorable industry trends, including an aging vehicle fleet and increasing repair complexity.
Grismer’s former majority owner John Marshall highlighted the company’s long-standing legacy as a second-generation, family-owned business and expressed confidence in CenterOak’s ability to guide its next phase of growth, including expansion in both existing and new markets.
KEY QUOTES
“The automotive service sector continues to benefit from strong tailwinds, including an aging vehicle fleet and increasing repair and maintenance complexity. Grismer aligns with our focus on investing in essential, non-discretionary service businesses supported by recurring customer demand. This investment represents our fourth automotive service platform, and we look forward to applying our experience to support Grismer’s continued growth.”
Jason Sutherland, Managing Partner of CenterOak Partners
“Grismer is a highly regarded operator with a long-standing reputation for quality service and a loyal customer base. Grismer has built a strong regional brand, growing through new unit openings and addressing a broader range of customer needs. We see a compelling opportunity to accelerate the Company’s growth rate in existing and new markets.”
Eric Holter, Managing Director of CenterOak Partners
“We are proud of what Grismer has accomplished as a second-generation, family-owned business over its more than 90-year history and believe CenterOak is the right partner to build on our legacy. Their sector experience, along with the integrity and thoughtfulness they demonstrated throughout our discussions, gives us great confidence in their ability to guide the Company through its next stage and deliver exceptional service to customers.”
John Marshall, Former Majority Owner of Grismer Tire & Auto Service
