Glass Doctor®, Subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Announces Intent To Buy Harmon AutoGlass

Glass Doctor®, a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, has signed a definitive purchase agreement to buy Harmon AutoGlass, one of the nation's leading auto glass replacement and repair companies, from Apogee Enterprises, Inc. The new entity will create the nation's largest auto glass retail chain of 374 stores and the country's only national full service glass retailer providing services for auto, home, and business. The transaction is expected to close by December 31st.

"Harmon AutoGlass has been a leading force in automotive glass replacement and repair for more than five decades, and it is a perfect complement to our current Glass Doctor business," said Dina Dwyer-Owens, president and CEO of The Dwyer Group. "The respect of the Harmon name and the expertise of its employees were key factors in our attraction to the company."

Harmon's 264 nationwide service centers will join Glass Doctor's 110 stores under the terms of the deal.

Once completed, Glass Doctor Franchise owners will have the opportunity to purchase existing Harmon AutoGlass locations in various markets and combine those businesses and workforces with their current franchise operations. Similar opportunities will be made available to existing glass shop owners who wish to convert their businesses into Glass Doctor Franchises as well as to Harmon employees and other prospective franchise owners who meet the requirements to become a Glass Doctor franchisee.

"By transitioning Harmon AutoGlass to a proven franchised business system, we will be helping existing Glass Doctor franchisees gain a larger share of their market, and we also will be creating a huge opportunity for more people to realize their dreams of owning their own business," Dwyer-Owens said. "Our combined forces will ensure that our customers will receive the quality service they've always found at any Harmon AutoGlass or Glass Doctor location.

"Harmon's national insurance and fleet clients will benefit from the strength of the largest network of franchised and corporately-owned locations in the industry and Glass Doctor's customer satisfaction rating of 97 percent," Dwyer-Owens added. "The resulting franchise business model embraces the strength of independent, community-based owner operators with a strong franchised approach that offers consistent customer contact and operations. For national insurance and commercial clients this model delivers superior store coverage, local brand awareness and competitive national pricing. We will continue to grow this important business segment and develop deeper relationships with our insurance company partners."

Dwyer-Owens said that, when the purchase is complete, consumers in the auto, residential and commercial sectors will be able to enjoy the full menu of glass replacement and repair services from an expanded franchise network that they already know and trust. Insurance and commercial business partners also will experience enhanced third party administered "TPA" auto glass claim services.

About Harmon AutoGlass:

Harmon AutoGlass opened its first location in 1949 in Minneapolis. Today, Harmon and its associated company Portland Glass in the Northeast have grown into a nationwide leader in automotive glass replacement and repair. Harmon AutoGlass is a subsidiary of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., a $600 million corporation that develops and delivers value-added glass products and services for the architectural, large-scale optical and automotive industries.

About The Dwyer Group:

The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company that owns six franchise businesses. Each business sells and supports a different service-based brand name franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv® Heating & Air Conditioning, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor® in the UK), and Rainbow International® Restoration and Cleaning. Collectively, the franchisees of these franchise concepts offer customers a broad base of residential and commercial services.

About Glass Doctor:

Established in 1962, Glass Doctor® offers complete glass replacement, service and repairs to the automotive, residential and commercial markets. Glass Doctor is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc., one of the world's largest franchise holding companies in the residential and commercial service business.