Fix Auto’s globally successful vision set to advance in the Irish market

Ireland is regarded by many as being a gateway to Europe. It is seen as a strategically important market for Fix Network World as it continues its growth strategy globally.

Global Megatrends
As the global automotive aftermarket industry continues to experience significant challenges, the Fix Network remains focused on driving transformation. One of the megatrends in the industry globally is consolidation, which can be attributed to several factors, including vehicle complexity, equipment requirements, training investments, insurance expectations, supplier partnerships and more; all of which have changed the automotive collision repair, mechanical and glass repair and replacement landscape.

Better Together
Within this highly competitive environment, Fix Network, which includes Fix Auto Collision, NOVUS Glass and several other country specific brands, has carved out a rather unique position as they continue to demonstrate successful growth globally, making Fix the premier service provider and market leader worldwide. Under the leadership of President and CEO Steve Leal, Fix Network has transformed this business globally by combining the best attributes of tools, technology and talent, aligning operations around leaner and more customer-driven processes to deliver greater efficiencies for operators and to consistently surpass expectations.

Strength in Numbers
The Fix Network story began in 1992 with the founding of Fix Auto Collision in Quebec, Canada with a clear mission to build a reputation on consistently high standards of quality, ethics and performance in collision repair across every location.

Over the past 27 years, the Fix Auto brand has not only grown across Canada, but throughout the world, from operating 361 locations in four countries in 2015 to now operating over 850 collision repair facilities across five continents in 13 countries.

“Between Fix Auto, ProColor and NOVUS Glass, we believe we have a very unique opportunity to not only increase market share, but also provide a single point of contact for our industry partners, strengthen and leverage synergies between these brands and different sectors of the aftermarket,” said Steve Leal.

The Acquisition Trail
To help accelerate global investment and expansion, La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) became a minority equity partner in the business in 2015. Headquartered in Québec, CDPQ has offices in ten countries with nearly two thirds of its’ $326B in assets being invested outside Canada. Having CDPQ as a long-term financial partner gives Fix Network the financial power required to achieve their aggressive growth targets through strategic acquisitions and investments around the world, including in countries like Ireland.

Continuing to build on their strategic growth initiatives, Leal announced the acquisition of ProColor Collision in September 2019. ProColor, one of Canada’s premier collision repair providers and an iconic brand in Quebec, was a strategic move – one aimed to leverage the strengths of both collision brands and providing a complete solution in each market the network operates in.

Supplier Partnerships
In addition to acquisitions and organic network growth, Fix Network also aligns with some of the most prominent industry suppliers in the world. Each a leader in the global automotive aftermarket space. Strong supplier partnerships are a critical component to the successful expansion of the Fix Network around the world.

Fix Network has become known as an industry pioneer and there are no signs of slowing down. Growing their network in Ireland, making strategic investments and aligning with industry leading suppliers will all be part of their strategy to help reinvent the concept of automotive car care.

Steve Leal’s vision also includes multi-trade training centres for shop owners, two of which are now open in Canada, exclusive software operating platforms so shops can run as efficiently as possible and the first ever collision, mechanical and glass supercentre offering customers all three services under one roof; two are now open in Quebec.

The best is yet to come

With Mr. Leal at the helm, the collective Fix Network team has a continued, relentless focus on the future as evidenced through their legacy of strategic, industry leading results.

The Network continues to grow with over 2,250 points of service in more than 30 countries and has established itself as the premier global automotive aftermarket services solution.

From day one, Fix Network has worked hard to stand out as an innovative organisation that continues to distinguish itself in the industry; and the best is yet to come.