Fix Auto Grows to $90MM in the U.S.

    ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Sept. 4 The southern California-
based collision repair consortium FIX USA confirmed today that it has added
14 large collision repairers to the Fix Auto family.  President and CEO Erick
Bickett announced the latest expansion at a dinner meeting Wednesday night in
San Diego, adding, "This brings us to 34 U.S. locations where insurers and
vehicle owners can expect and receive unconditional customer service and
superb repair quality at a competitive cost.  We are extremely proud that
repairers of this caliber have chosen to affiliate with Fix Auto."
    As preparation for a possible alliance with Fix Auto, each candidate
repairer studies the Fix Auto organization and strategy to determine how the
relationship will directly benefit the long-term value goals of his business.
At the same time the repairer undergoes an extensive "due diligence" process
to establish eligibility for Fix Auto membership.
    The new Fix Auto members are in 12 growing California communities: Balboa
Auto Body in San Diego, Beardsley Auto Body in San Diego, Carter Collision
Service in Santee, Drew Ford Collision in La Mesa, Greenwald's Auto Body &
Frameworks in National City and Chula Vista, Henson & Sons in Escondido,
Marina Auto Body in Marina del Rey, the four locations of Pride Collision
Centers in Valencia, Van Nuys, Canyon Country and Sherman Oaks, Tag Collision
Center in San Marcos, and Thearle's Auto Werks in Santee.
    Unlike either the conventional consolidators or the go-it-alone isolated
independent, the Fix Auto strategy combines the effectiveness of consistent
marketing, centralized claims management functions and information technology,
with the strength and drive of the independent, owner-operated repairer.  The
Fix affiliates meet regularly to compare and develop best practices to improve
productivity and responsiveness to insurers' needs.  "It's hard to beat," said
Laura Delmege whose Company Chelsea Management provides peer group and due
diligence services to Fix Auto.  "The owners enjoy a whole collection of
centralized functions and resources, while they stay in firm control of their
long-term value plan."  With average sales per location of over $2.6M FIX USA
is positioning its elite network to be the primary choice for insurers and
consumers.
    With its Canadian operation, Fix Auto now operates 120 locations in North
America, with estimated sales of $170 million.

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