Sun Auto Accelerates Gulf-Coast Expansion with Acquisition of Vannoy’s Tires in Florida

Sun Auto Tire & Service, a leading independent auto repair and tire retail network, has deepened its presence along the Gulf Coast by acquiring seven Vannoy’s Tires locations in the greater Pensacola region. This deal is part of Sun Auto’s broader strategic expansion across the Southern U.S., building on earlier moves in Alabama and Mississippi.

Deal Summary

• Acquirer: Sun Auto Tire & Service, based in Mesa, Arizona, and backed by private equity.
• Target: Vannoy’s Tires, a family-operated business founded in 1985, with seven locations in and around Pensacola, Florida.
• Strategic Purpose: The transaction fills out Sun Auto’s Gulf Coast network, adding density and continuity in a key market.
• Regional Scope: This is a continuation of Sun Auto’s southern growth trajectory, following its earlier acquisition of five Fausak Tire locations in Mobile, Alabama.
• Network Footprint: With this deal, Sun Auto now operates nearly fifty locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
• Philosophy and Culture: The Vannoy family emphasized legacy, quality service, and familiar relationships - factors that motivated the transition.
• Operational Benefits: Sun Auto expects to enhance efficiency, provide greater employee opportunities, and deliver both national capabilities and local care for its customers.

Industry Context

The tire and auto service industry is consolidating rapidly as larger players acquire trusted local brands to build national scale. For Sun Auto, this transaction is consistent with its growth model: acquiring well-established, regionally respected operators to extend its network while preserving the familiarity and customer loyalty of local businesses.

The Gulf Coast, in particular, is becoming a priority corridor, as Sun Auto has layered multiple acquisitions into its strategy (e.g., Fausak Tires in Alabama), signaling a focused geographic play. By absorbing trusted local brands, Sun blends national infrastructure with local market strength - a win–win in a fragmented and competitive sector.

Lower-Middle-Market Roll-Up Perspective

From a platform M&A standpoint, the Sun Auto-Vannoy’s deal underscores a few critical dynamics:

1. Strategic Infill: Rather than chasing entirely new markets, Sun Auto is densifying existing regions to create operational leverage.
2. Legacy Preservation: Acquiring family-owned businesses allows Sun to tap into local goodwill and customer trust.
3. Scalable Integration: Sun Auto can fold in Vannoy’s locations under its existing supply chain, staffing, and systems to extract value.
4. Regional Margin Play: Building scale in the Gulf Coast can boost margins through cross-store efficiencies and shared infrastructure.
5. Growth Momentum: This deal follows Sun Auto’s acquisition of Fausak Tires in Alabama earlier in 2025, suggesting a deliberate regional playbook.

Why This Sector Is Attractive for Roll-Ups

• Fragmentation: Many successful independent tire retailers remain family-owned and ripe for acquisition.
• Recurring Services: Beyond tire sales, repair and maintenance generate recurring revenue.
• Economies of Scale: Consolidation allows for more efficient inventory, staffing, and supply-chain operations.
• Brand Legacy + PE Backing: Platforms like Sun Auto offer a path for owners to preserve their legacy while benefiting from operational scale and capital.
• Regional Synergy: By building in contiguous regions (e.g., Gulf Coast), acquirers can optimize logistics, customer coverage, and brand footprint.

Conclusion

Sun Auto’s acquisition of Vannoy’s Tires is a calculated next step in its Gulf Coast growth playbook. By adding well-known, trusted local stores, the company strengthens regional density while maintaining the customer relationships that made Vannoy’s a community staple.

For independent tire operators, this deal highlights how partnering with a scaling national platform can provide succession and growth leverage without sacrificing brand identity. For investors and sector observers, Sun Auto’s expanding footprint demonstrates the enduring appeal of combining local legacy with national scale in the automotive aftermarket.