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Ziebart Expands Presence in Texas

12 January 1998

Ziebart Expands Presence in Texas

    TROY, Mich., Jan. 12 -- Ziebart International Corp., the
world leader in car-care solutions to protect and enhance vehicle appearance
and investment value, today announced it will significantly expand its
presence in Texas through the addition of 15 new stores in Dallas/Fort Worth
and Houston.
    The expansion will result from Ziebart's purchase of Texas-based Artech
Franchising Company, which operates 15 window-tint and electronics stores in
Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.
    The Artech stores will be offered the Ziebart format in 1998 that includes
Ziebart's complete line of car-care services, including professional detailing
services, appearance protection services, rust protection, and accessories.
    "This acquisition provides us the opportunity to build on Ziebart's nearly
20-year history in Texas," says Thomas E. Wolfe, chairman, president, and
chief executive officer of Ziebart International.  "This expansion will
greatly benefit our existing three stores in Dallas and Houston, as well."
    "The Artech acquisition is in keeping with Ziebart's overall commitment to
expanding and strengthening its franchise network worldwide," continued Wolfe.
In 1997, Ziebart opened 27 new stores in U.S. cities and abroad, including
Salt Lake City, Utah; Slidell, LA; Billings, MT; Lubbock, TX; Union of South
Africa; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the Dominican Republic.
    Details of the purchase have not been disclosed.
    Established in 1981, Artech Franchising Company is privately held and
owned by three individuals: Paul Bossow, president, of Dallas/Forth Worth;
Dave Dickey and Kent Lemonte of Houston.  "The acquisition will give the
Artech organization an opportunity to take our organization to a new level,"
says Bossow.
    Established in 1959, Ziebart International Corp. is headquartered in Troy,
Mich., and operates approximately 600 stores in 42 countries.  Ziebart offers
more than 30 car-care services, and is North America's largest installer of
aftermarket accessories.  For franchisee information, call 800-877-1312 or
visit Ziebart's web site at ziebart.com.

SOURCE  Ziebart International Corp.