On Feb. 1, MFA Petroleum Company’s Big O Tires division sold its three stores in Oklahoma to Leeds West Groups, a national owner/operator of automotive repair franchises. All employees that worked at the stores in Enid, Mustang, and Norman will be retained by the new ownership group.
“This was a strategic decision that will allow us to focus on growth in our core geographies of Missouri and northwest Arkansas,” says Charlie Alexander, senior director of Big O Tires. “We’re thankful for the contributions of our Oklahoma team members and wish them continued success with Leeds West Groups.”
While the sale of the Oklahoma stores will temporarily drop the company’s number of Big O Tires locations to 19, expansion remains a priority.
“Our Big O Tires stores play a key role in the services we provide to our customers, communities and member-owners,” says Jon Ihler, MFA Oil president and CEO. “The tire industry is healthy, and the MFA Oil Board of Directors is supportive of us continuing to grow our Big O Tires franchise.”
Plans are already underway to build a new store in Chillicothe, Mo. It will have seven automotive service bays and offer customers tires, oil changes, alignments, brakes, front end work, lift kits, wheels, and other general services. The new store is tentatively scheduled to open on July 1, 2021.