M2 Appoints Mike Austin as Director of Corporate Development

    SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Jan. 25, 2001--M2 Collision Care Centers (M2), the leading consolidator of collision repair centers in California, recently announced the appointment of Michael Austin as director of corporate development.
    After completing training and standardization programs, M2 is positioned to move forward in acquiring and building collision repair shops throughout California. In the corporate development role, Austin is responsible for managing and executing M2's acquisition program and greenfield development.
    Prior to joining M2, Austin served as the vice president of west coast acquisitions for Summerville Senior Living, a consolidator of senior housing properties. In addition, Austin was involved with finance, business planning, real estate development and acquisitions for ManorCare and Regency Health Services, both publicly-traded healthcare concerns, and ARAMARK, a privately-held manager of a variety of service focused businesses.
    Austin is a graduate of Purdue University, with a bachelors of science degree in industrial management. Hunt Ramsbottom, chairman and CEO of M2, commented, "We are fortunate to add someone of Mike's ability to M2's management team. His experience in acquisition strategy and implementation as well as in greenfield development will be invaluable to us as we expand our coverage throughout California to better serve our customers."
    Founded in 1996, M2 is the leading provider of collision repair services in California. With 27 stores and drop off centers throughout the state, M2 has direct repair relationships with most major insurance providers.