November 2025 · GreatWater 360 Auto Care acquires Richlonn's Tire & Service (5 stores, Milwaukee)

A 60-year-old Milwaukee chain joins one of the biggest consolidators

By Clay Whitaker, Auto Shop Acquisitions

Fast facts

Buyer:: GreatWater 360 Auto Care
Target:: Richlonn's Tire & Service (5 stores, Milwaukee)
Date:: November 2025
Locations:: 5 (target); 140+ (buyer)
Source:: Modern Tire Dealer

Richlonn's Tire & Service (five family-owned stores across metro Milwaukee, founded in 1964) became part of GreatWater 360 Auto Care, one of the most active consolidators in the space, which grew past 140 locations with the deal.

Richlonn's keeps its name and shop teams under GreatWater's operational umbrella: the familiar pattern of local identity preserved, back office centralized.

Why Richlonn's Tire & Service was a target

→Sixty years of trusted local brand equity and an entrenched customer base: durable, repeat revenue that underwrites the price.
→Five turnkey shops give instant Milwaukee-metro density, strengthening GreatWater's Midwest cluster and its purchasing and marketing leverage.
→A full tire-plus-repair service mix that fits the platform's model and transfers cleanly.

What it means for owners

Consolidators grow on the backs of good local chains. Being a great multi-store independent doesn't make you a target to avoid. It makes you a target to court. The leverage is in being ready before you're asked.

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Reported facts via Modern Tire Dealer. Commentary is our own.