Auto Inside View: What's next for Belron US?

Apparently, more acquisitions. Following the Columbus, Ohio, company's purchase of Diamond Glass, Kingston, Pa., in June, officials answered with a resounding "yes" when asked if Belron US planned to expand or buy other companies.

"This [Diamond Glass] acquisition is the continuation of Belron US' mission to profitably grow in the U.S. and to become the customer's 'natural choice' for vehicle glass repair and replacement services," said Tom Sweeney, president and CEO, in a message to employees on BelronUS.com. "Growth will come from expanding the company's existing sales and profit base, as well as through additional strategic, targeted acquisitions."

The Diamond Glass acquisition came just 15 months after Belron US bought Safelite Group, Columbus. At the time, it was estimated the merged Safelite Group and Belron US operations would have less than 20 percent market share in the United States. It's not clear how high that percentage will climb following the Diamond purchase. Belron added more than 200 service locations and about 1,600 employees to its growing empire through the acquisition.

Another indication of the company's future plans: the "Integration Insider," an online publication designed to provide Diamond Glass and Belron US associates the latest news regarding the integration between the two companies. One wonders which company will replace Diamond Glass in upcoming editions. Stay tuned to GlassMagazine.com to find out.