Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced the acquisition of TruStar Inc.
Established roughly 35 years ago in Pearland, Texas, the TruStar buying and marketing group has carved a niche in the undercar category, focusing on brakes and shocks as well as chassis and exhaust parts. APA credited TruStar President and CEO Steve Upton for emphasizing honesty and integrity in his business dealings throughout the past three decades.
Upton, speaking to shareholders at APA’s Annual Conference in Atlanta, said the APA management team “has the same traits and they value honesty and loyalty.”
“I anticipate that this transaction will be smooth, and the future look good for everyone involved,” Upton added, in a heartfelt address.
The addition of TruStar now brings the number of APA warehouse distributors to more than 100. With John Amalfe and his Momentum family of brands and the TruStar co-man warehouse, this is a value-driven deal for all, APA noted.
“We like to think we can find a program to fit any potential member or shareholder,” Upton said of TruStar.
The combination of APA and TruStar, along with the new supplier programs that will be open to all members and shareholders, “will benefit everyone across the entire value chain,” Tucker said.
“Further, I am excited that Steve Upton and I will be working together through the transition to ensure everything is moving smoothly as we integrate the businesses,” Tucker added.
With APA’s 50th anniversary just a year away, “this marks a pivotal step for APA as we work to further support and solidify our members’ market share in the industry,” APA asserted in a news release.
