Straightaway Tire & Auto Acquires Silverlake, Fueling Aggressive Expansion into Mountain West

CHARLOTTE, NC – February 03, 2026 – In a strategic move that signals a significant push into the American West, Straightaway Tire & Auto has acquired Silverlake Automotive, a respected five-location repair brand based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The deal, announced by parent company O2 Investment Partners, not only marks Straightaway's entry into a new geographic region but also expands its rapidly growing national footprint to 87 shops across eight states, inching it closer to the 100-location milestone.

This acquisition is the latest in a string of aggressive plays by the Charlotte-based platform, which has become a formidable force in the consolidation of the U.S. automotive aftermarket. The partnership with Silverlake is a cornerstone of Straightaway's strategy to establish a strong presence in the booming Mountain West, with concrete plans to expand further into Spokane, Washington, and other parts of Idaho.

The Private Equity Playbook for Auto Repair

The acquisition of Silverlake is a textbook example of the private equity-fueled consolidation reshaping the traditionally fragmented automotive repair industry. Backed by O2 Investment Partners, a firm known for its "buy-and-build" strategy, Straightaway functions as a platform to acquire successful, founder-led businesses and accelerate their growth with capital, technology, and operational support. This trend has dominated the sector, with private equity buyers accounting for over half of all M&A deals in the automotive aftermarket in 2025.

Straightaway’s recent activity underscores this aggressive approach. The company has completed 12 strategic acquisitions since June 2025 alone, adding 18 new locations to its portfolio. This rapid expansion is not just about planting flags on a map; it's a calculated strategy to build density in key markets and leverage economies of scale in purchasing, marketing, and back-office operations. By bringing established local brands under a unified corporate umbrella, platforms like Straightaway can offer sophisticated resources that are often out of reach for independent operators, while aiming to preserve the local brand equity that made the shops successful in the first place.

Andrew Faubel, a Partner at O2, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership. “We are thrilled to welcome the Silverlake team to the Straightaway family, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish together in these new markets,” he commented. “Straightaway’s continued expansion also strengthens its position in existing markets and is a testament to the growth-accelerating capabilities it brings to bear for local brands.”

A Partnership Model That Keeps Founders in the Driver's Seat

Crucial to Straightaway's success is its model for integrating new businesses, which prioritizes founder retention over a simple buyout. Unlike acquisitions that see owners exit the business, Straightaway actively seeks to keep local leadership in place. The Silverlake deal is a prime example, with founders Will and Rebecka Sando remaining deeply involved. Will Sando will step into the newly created role of Brand President of Silverlake Automotive, tasked with spearheading the brand's expansion across Idaho and Washington.

For the Sandos, who founded Silverlake in 2003 and grew it into a five-shop local powerhouse, the partnership was about future growth, not an exit strategy. This approach addresses a common dilemma for successful small business owners: how to scale without losing the company's soul or their own role in its future.

“From the beginning, we weren’t looking for an exit. We were looking for a way to stay, lead, and continue growing Silverlake,” said Will Sando. “Straightaway’s model gives founders the ability to remain operators, build their brand, and gain the infrastructure needed to scale. We share the same values around integrity, leadership, and taking care of people, which made becoming a partner in Straightaway a natural fit.” This founder-friendly approach is a powerful recruiting tool, appealing to other shop owners who may be wary of traditional corporate takeovers but recognize the need for a strategic partner to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape.

Targeting the Next Frontier: Idaho and the Booming Mountain West

The choice of Coeur d'Alene as Straightaway's entry point into the Mountain West is no accident. The region, including nearby Spokane, Washington, is among the fastest-growing in the United States. A booming population, robust economic activity, and corresponding increases in vehicle ownership create a ripe market for automotive services. By acquiring a well-established local leader like Silverlake, Straightaway gains an immediate, reputable foothold in a high-potential market.

This expansion provides Straightaway with a launchpad for further growth in a region where it previously had no presence. Its existing locations are concentrated in the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast, with shops in Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. The move into Idaho represents a significant geographic leap, diversifying the company’s portfolio and positioning it to capture market share in a new and dynamic economic corridor. The company's stated intent to expand throughout Idaho and into Washington indicates that the Silverlake acquisition is just the first step in a broader regional strategy, setting the stage for increased competition among automotive service providers in the area.

With Silverlake becoming the fifth brand under the Straightaway banner, the company continues to refine its multi-brand platform. This strategy allows it to maintain the local identity and customer loyalty that brands like Silverlake have spent decades building, while simultaneously integrating them into a powerful national network. As Straightaway continues its march toward becoming a 100-shop national entity, this acquisition serves as a clear blueprint for its future growth, blending national scale with a deep appreciation for local leadership and regional market leadership.