Everett-based chain Phelps Tire sold to a Missouri company

EVERETT — Phelps Tire, which is headquartered in Everett and has eight locations in Washington and Alaska, has been purchased by a Missouri tire company.

The acquisition by Purcell Tire and Service Center brings together two family-owned companies which provide “excellent service and quality products,” said Bob Purcell, owner of Purcell Tire and Service Center, in a statement.

“We are excited about the prospects that the Phelps expansion provides and the markets that it opens to our retreading and commercial footprint,” he said.

The sales price wasn’t disclosed. Phelps will operate as Phelps-Purcell Tire until the end of the year. In 2017, all locations will change to Purcell Tire.

Phelps Tire was founded in 1947 by the grandfather of current company president, Jim Phelps. The company specializes in commercial, off the road and retread services. Phelps Tire is located at 3821 Railway Ave. in Everett. The other Washington locations are in Seattle, Mount Vernon, Renton and Tacoma.

There are three Phelps locations in Alaska: Anchorage, Fairbanks and Wasilla. All Phelps locations are Tire Industry Association-certified dealerships and are part of the Michelin Commercial Services network.

Jim Phelps will continue as a consultant until the merger is complete. The reason for selling was because he wanted to retire and there was no one in his family to take over.

Purcell Tire was opened in 1936 by Robert M. Purcell in Washington, Missouri. His son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Juanita Purcell, have expanded the company to nearly 80 locations, four retread plants and a fleet of trucks that provide pick-up and delivery service to 41 states.

This acquisition gives Phelps its first presence in the Pacific Northwest. The company already has operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, and Nevada.

Purcell Tire and Service Center said it is now ranked as the third-largest independent commercial tire dealership in North America, the nation’s largest retreader for off-the-road tires and one of the 10 largest independent tire store chains in the United States.