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The Purcell Tire & Rubber Company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement and closed on its acquisition of D&D Tire, Inc, Fernley, NV, a leading independent tire dealer with ten tire service centers located across Nevada and Southern Idaho, mine servicing sites in eight states (including Alaska), an off-the-road (OTR) repair facility in Nevada and a retreading plant in Idaho.

The acquisition of D&D Tire is a key step in Purcell’s strategic business plan to drive growth and market share and provide best-in-class total customer solutions. With sales in excess of $300 million, the combined company will have significantly expanded operations and purchasing power, providing customers with access to more products, more brands and more services in more locations.

“The acquisition is a win-win for our companies and our customers,” said Keith Butcher, executive president of Purcell Tire. “D&D Tire shares our commitment to driving growth and market share for our vendors and providing our customers with quality products and services.” Butcher points out that the acquisition will double the size of Purcell’s mining division and its commitment to that industry.

The acquisition also expands access to D&D Tire’s proprietary Elite Tire Management System (ETMS) and strengthens Purcell Tire’s ability to assist fleet managers in improving the performance of products. “The ETMS program is designed to enable fleet and mine account managers and equipment managers to utilize the tire to its fullest capacity,” explained Britt Johnson, executive vice president of D&D Tire and director of ETMS. “ETMS provides a ‘holistic’ approach to tire management resulting in the best possible operating costs for the customer.”

Industry shortages, especially in the OTR segment, have created more demand for ETMS guidance in recent years. D&D Tire is the leading OTR tire dealer in the state of Nevada, a state that produces the majority of precious metals in the United States. Johnson notes that the D&D Tire’s ETMS program, which initially serviced mining customers, has rolled out to the company’s commercial division with great success.

“The acquisition of D&D Tire is an excellent enhancement to the products and services Purcell Tire now offers mining customers,“ says Dennis Flynn, Purcell Tire’s operating president. “When two great companies come together, we are able to combine the best practices of each and create a program to better serve customers and strengthen relationships with our vendors.”

Purcell Tire Founder Bob Purcell emphasizes the advantages to customers and the environment that Purcell’s strength in retreading brings to the merged companies. "We've made a significant investment in helping our customers recycle tires. It doesn't make sense to buy new tires when you can recycle OTR tires so well,” Purcell stated. “Adding our giant tire retreading capabilities to D&D’s existing mine service business, will be a true added value to the customer. Rubber is a cost that mining companies can control. Recycling tires reduces costs and saves resources. By helping our customers to reduce operating costs, we also are helping them reduce their carbon footprint."

For Bob Purcell, the acquisition is an exciting new chapter in the company’s future. “We share corporate cultures and a commitment to growth that truly benefits our customers and our associates,” he explained. “Together we will continue to build our reputations for quality, service and outstanding workforces.”

Both companies consider their skilled associates to be their number-one asset. Creating stability and prosperity for those associates is a commitment shared by Purcell and Paul DiMartini, president and founder of D&D Tire. “Our 180 associates include an exceptionally qualified management team and some of the best trained and skilled technicians in the industry,” notes DiMartini. “This move will give our associates greater opportunity for growth and advancement in a dynamic industry.” D&D Tire’s workforce includes mining, mechanical engineers and safety engineers who have benefited from the company’s emphasis on ongoing training and TIA, TANA and MSHA certification.

DiMartini will continue in his role as president of D&D Tire. D&D Tire’s Vice President Britt Johnson and Phil Brannen, director of mining for Purcell Tire, will serve as co-heads of the Global Mining Operation for the newly merged companies.

Purcell Tire plans to operate D&D Tire as a wholly-owned subsidiary thru the end of 2008. During 2008 and early 2009, D&D’s operations will be transitioned into the existing operating units of Purcell Tire and a single brand will be launched.