BELRON® Completes Acquisition of Auto Glass Specialists Inc., Announces Appointment of Regional Vice President Midwest

BELRON announced recently that its US subsidiary has completed the acquisition of the vehicle glass repair and replacement business and associated assets of Auto Glass Specialists Inc. (AGS), which has headquarters in Madison, Wis. Together with previous acquisitions, announced earlier in the year, this marks a major step in the company's strategy of strengthening its position across North America.

"We are very excited about AGS joining our business in the US market. AGS is known throughout the industry for its quality people, commitment to customer service and technical excellence. We are confident that this addition will strengthen our overall market position," said Wes Topping, president of Belron Inc.

His sentiments are echoed by Gary Lubner, chief executive officer of Belron.

""We are delighted that a company with the prestige and heritage of AGS will join the Belron Group and are excited about the opportunities for our newly expanded business in the important US market. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with the AGS," said Lubner.

With this addition, Belron, Inc. now operates over 95 branches in the United States under the trading names Elite Auto Glass™, GLASPRO™, Windshield Pros™ and Auto Glass Specialists ®.

Additionally, the company has announced the appointment of Rich Harrison as regional vice president - Midwest. Harrison will assume responsibility for running AGS with immediate effect.

Harrison started his career at Belron's previous U.S. business, Windshields America, in operations support in 1992. During his 13 years at Belron, Harrison has worked in marketing, strategy and operations management.

He has led projects for the group in North America, Europe, South Africa and Asia including two years in Canada developing the business and a highly successful strategic review of Belron's business in Belgium.

Most recently Harrison spent a year working at Belron's head office in Richmond, UK, developing and implementing the Group's re-entry strategy for the U.S.-market, which culminated in the recent acquisitions of Elite Auto Glass, GLASPRO, Windshield Pros and Auto Glass Specialists.