Key Takeaways
- • CenterOak Partners LLC, a Dallas-based private equity firm, completed a majority recapitalization of Grismer Tire & Auto Service, marking the firm's fourth automotive service platform investment.
- • Grismer operates 28 locations across the Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati metropolitan areas in Ohio and has maintained operations for over 90 years as a family-owned business.
- • The automotive aftermarket service sector benefits from structural tailwinds including an aging vehicle fleet, increasing repair complexity, and recurring customer demand for non-discretionary maintenance services.
- • Grant Thornton Stax and NXT Capital provided advisory and financing support for the transaction; specific deal valuation was not disclosed.
- • CenterOak identified a "compelling opportunity to accelerate the Company's growth rate in existing and new markets," suggesting expansion plans beyond Grismer's current regional footprint.
Summary
CenterOak Partners LLC has completed a majority recapitalization of Grismer Tire & Auto Service, a Dayton, Ohio-based operator of tire and automotive service centers. The transaction, announced in early April 2026, represents CenterOak's fourth investment in an automotive service platform. Transaction terms were not disclosed. Grismer currently operates 28 locations across the Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati metropolitan areas and provides a comprehensive suite of mechanical repair, electrical services, and preventative maintenance across vehicle types including electric and hybrid models.
Founded over 90 years ago as a family-owned business, Grismer has established a strong regional brand centered on service quality, customer loyalty, and competitive pricing. The company's longevity and operational stability in the regional market provided the foundation for the private equity acquisition. Former majority owner John Marshall stated that the firm is "proud of what Grismer has accomplished" and expressed confidence that "CenterOak is the right partner to build on our legacy."
CenterOak's investment thesis centers on the structural attractiveness of the automotive aftermarket service sector. According to Jason Sutherland, Managing Partner of CenterOak, "The automotive service sector continues to benefit from strong tailwinds, including an aging vehicle fleet and increasing repair and maintenance complexity." These factors support recurring, non-discretionary customer demand—a core investment criterion for CenterOak's essential services focus. Eric Holter, Managing Director of CenterOak, identified specific growth opportunities through "new unit openings and addressing a broader range of customer needs," signaling expansion plans beyond Grismer's current regional presence.
Grant Thornton Stax provided investment advisory services supporting the transaction, while NXT Capital closed a senior credit facility to fund the acquisition. These advisors underscore institutional confidence in the deal structure and Grismer's growth potential within CenterOak's platform strategy for automotive services consolidation.
Founded over 90 years ago as a family-owned business, Grismer has established a strong regional brand centered on service quality, customer loyalty, and competitive pricing. The company's longevity and operational stability in the regional market provided the foundation for the private equity acquisition. Former majority owner John Marshall stated that the firm is "proud of what Grismer has accomplished" and expressed confidence that "CenterOak is the right partner to build on our legacy."
CenterOak's investment thesis centers on the structural attractiveness of the automotive aftermarket service sector. According to Jason Sutherland, Managing Partner of CenterOak, "The automotive service sector continues to benefit from strong tailwinds, including an aging vehicle fleet and increasing repair and maintenance complexity." These factors support recurring, non-discretionary customer demand—a core investment criterion for CenterOak's essential services focus. Eric Holter, Managing Director of CenterOak, identified specific growth opportunities through "new unit openings and addressing a broader range of customer needs," signaling expansion plans beyond Grismer's current regional presence.
Grant Thornton Stax provided investment advisory services supporting the transaction, while NXT Capital closed a senior credit facility to fund the acquisition. These advisors underscore institutional confidence in the deal structure and Grismer's growth potential within CenterOak's platform strategy for automotive services consolidation.
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