Milwaukee-based ARI Network Services Inc. today announced it has acquired the assets of tire and auto service software developer TASCO Corp.
Wexford, Pa.-based TASCO and its affiliated company, Signal Extraprise Corp., were included in the transaction. TASCO’s business management software is used by retailers, repair centers, wholesalers, distributors and re-manufacturers that deal with aftermarket tires and wheels.
“The acquisition of TASCO demonstrates our continued commitment to create shareholder value through a combined strategy of organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” said Roy Olivier, ARI president and chief executive officer.
TASCO’s TireWorks HD, TireTrader, TireDataCentral, TireTracker and TireWorks software products provide access to aftermarket information and service providers, as well as retread management software and wholesale business management. Its software is used in more than 380 businesses across North America.
ARI, which offers a suite of data-driven software tools and marketing services used for sales activities by dealers, equipment manufacturers and distributors, will fold the TASCO products into its automotive tire and wheel technology solutions offerings. The group will be known as TCS Technologies, an ARI Company.
“The acquisition of TASCO consolidates two industry-leading business management software platforms, cementing our position as the most complete technology provider in the automotive tire and wheel aftermarket,” said Barry Reese, vice president and general manager of TCS Technologies, an ARI Company. “This will not only result in an immediate increase in market share, but will serve as a catalyst for growth, allowing our current customers and prospects in the automotive tire and wheel vertical to benefit from our expanded product portfolio.”
ARI has about 350 employees. TASCO has about nine employees, who will join ARI. No employment changes are planned. TASCO will continue to operate out of its Pennsylvania headquarters, which will become ARI’s eighth location. Aidan McKenna, chief executive officer of TASCO, has been named executive director-TireWorks, TCS Technologies, an ARI Company.
“At TASCO, our mission is to develop, deploy and support information systems that contribute to the growth and profitability of tire dealers and automotive service centers,” McKenna said. “By coming together with ARI, we will continue to fulfill on that mission. In addition, we will immediately be able to provide a much wider range of complete technology solutions for enterprises of any size – from a single-location tire dealer to a large-scale tire re-manufacturing operation – solidifying ARI’s position as the leading automotive tire and wheel technology provider.”
