Victory Tire & Auto Strengthens Twin Cities Footprint by Acquiring AutoPro in Brooklyn Park

Victory Tire & Auto, the Minnesota-centered repair brand under Straightaway Tire & Auto, is expanding its regional reach by purchasing AutoPro Auto Service in Brooklyn Park. Completed on June 11, 2025, this acquisition reinforces Victory’s commitment to deepening its footprint across the Minneapolis-area auto service market.

Deal Summary

• Acquirer: Victory Tire & Auto, a core brand within Straightaway Tire & Auto’s broader automotive network.
• Target: AutoPro Auto Service, a well-established full-service auto repair shop located in Brooklyn Park, MN.
• Timing: The deal closed on June 11, 2025.
• Strategic Rationale: Victory aims to leverage AutoPro’s strong local reputation and turnkey operations, while providing additional resources to enhance service delivery.
• Scale Impact: This is Victory’s second location in Brooklyn Park, bringing its total in the region to 18.
• Leadership Transition: AutoPro’s former owner, John Klarkowski, praised Victory’s leadership and expressed confidence in the continued care of his team under the new ownership.
• Operational Integration: Victory plans to support the existing AutoPro team with operational expertise, training, and systems, preserving the shop’s local character while scaling its capabilities.

Industry Context

The automotive aftermarket is experiencing significant consolidation, with platforms like Straightaway acquiring independent repair shops to build dense, high-quality local networks. Victory’s acquisition of AutoPro aligns with this shift: rather than building new greenfield shops, it is partnering with trusted local operators who already have strong community relationships and technical infrastructure.

This model allows Victory to strengthen its presence in high-value metro areas, such as Brooklyn Park, by combining its platform-level support (technology, training, operations) with the customer loyalty and reputation that local shops have built over decades.

Lower-Middle-Market Roll-Up Perspective

From a roll-up strategy viewpoint, several key themes stand out:

1. Local Partner Strategy: By acquiring a well-run, established shop, Victory taps into AutoPro’s legacy without disrupting its customer base.
2. Operational Leverage: Victory brings its platform resources (e.g., procurement, training, systems) to scale AutoPro’s operations more efficiently.
3. Network Density: Adding a second Brooklyn Park location increases Victory’s density in a key Minnesota market, which offers logistical and brand advantages.
4. Talent Preservation: Victory retains the existing AutoPro team, ensuring continuity while leveraging their expertise in a broader network.
5. Repeatable Growth Model: This deal reinforces Straightaway’s disciplined acquisition playbook - acquiring strong local operators with established reputation and integrating them into a scalable platform.

Why This Sector Is Attractive for Roll-Ups

• Fragmentation: Many high-quality independent repair shops remain owner-operated and are attractive targets for consolidation.
• Recurring Demand: Auto repair generates repeat business with steady demand, especially in densely populated metro areas.
• Efficiency Gains: Platform players can drive margin improvements by standardizing operations, introducing technology, and optimizing supply chains.
• Scalable Infrastructure: Providers like Victory can support local shops with capital and operational systems, enabling growth without losing local identity.
• Capital-Backed Expansion: Straightaway and its affiliates are using acquisition capital to execute strategic growth, building a network with both reach and technical credibility.

Conclusion

Victory Tire & Auto’s acquisition of AutoPro Auto Service reflects a carefully calibrated expansion strategy rooted in partnering with high-quality, community-focused repair shops. By preserving AutoPro’s legacy and adding its own operational capabilities, Victory gains meaningful scale in the Brooklyn Park market.

For independent shop owners, the deal highlights the value of aligning with a platform that respects their team and customer relationships. For investors and operators, it underscores how targeted roll-ups of proven local businesses can build a strong, scalable automotive repair network - one that combines local trust with platform efficiency.