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Top Driver Acquires Bick's Northern Driving School

21 December 1999

Top Driver Acquires Bick's Northern Driving School Latest Ohio Acquisition Enhances State Saturation

    CINCINNATI, Dec. 21 -- Top Driver, the nation's largest
driver education company, announced today that it has purchased the five-
school chain of Bick's Northern Driving School based in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The
acquisition follows the recent purchase of the Akron-based Mr. Zip's Driving
School.
    "With locations throughout Ohio, Top Driver now covers more territory than
any other commercial driver education company in the state," stated Sebastian
Giordano, chief operating officer for Top Driver.
    Founded by Jack Bick in 1967, William Galligan purchased the well-known
school in 1993.  "I was attracted to Top Driver's intense commitment to
improving the quality of driver education and training in the country," said
Galligan.  "I saw a merger with Top Driver as the best way to raise the level
of training and service, not only within my school, but throughout the entire
state as well."
    Bick's Northern maintains five locations in Forest Park, Westchester,
Fairfield, Centerville and Kettering.
    With 49 locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Indiana, Top Driver
employs the latest technology in touch-screen computer training, multimedia
classroom instruction and one-on-one coaching in late model vehicles.  It is
the first to deliver standardized curriculum with automobile product and
service information, MetLife Auto insurance services, driving accessories and
Department of Motor Vehicle services.
    Several photos are available to download on The Cherenson Group's web site
at http://www.cherenson.com/press_kits.  For more information, contact Top
Driver at 1-888-TOP-DRIVER or visit its web site at http://www.topdriver.com.