Straightaway Tire & Auto Announces Partnership with Silverlake Automotive, Expanding Its Mountain West Footprint and Reaching 87 Shops Nationwide

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--O2 Investment Partners (www.o2investment.com) is pleased to announce that Straightaway Tire & Auto (www.gostraightaway.com), a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform, has acquired Silverlake Automotive, a five-location automotive repair brand. Silverlake currently serves the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho market with active growth plans to expand into both Spokane, Washington & broader Idaho. The partnership marks Straightaway's first major expansion into a new geographic area beyond its existing footprint, strategically expanding the company’s reach across the Mountain West.

Silverlake was founded in 2003 by Will and Rebecka Sando, who have grown the business to five locations across the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho market. Will Sando will continue to lead the Silverlake brand with support from the Straightaway platform. Stepping into the role of Brand President of Silverlake Automotive, he will play a key role in growing Silverlake’s presence in Idaho and Washington.

For the Sandos, choosing the right partner was never just about the transaction; it was about safeguarding what they had built and ensuring the team and customers benefited as well. “From the beginning, we weren’t looking for an exit. We were looking for a way to stay, lead, and continue growing Silverlake,” said Will Sando, owner of Silverlake Automotive. “Straightaway’s model gives founders the ability to remain operators, build their brand, and gain the infrastructure needed to scale. We share the same values around integrity, leadership, and taking care of people, which made becoming a partner in Straightaway a natural fit.”

The transaction brings Silverlake Automotive in as the fifth brand under the Straightaway name, and comes on the heels of a very active second half of 2025 and start to 2026. Straightaway completed 12 strategic acquisitions since June 2025, adding 18 new locations, and bringing its total footprint to 87 locations nationwide.

Andrew Faubel, Partner at O2, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome the Silverlake team to the Straightaway family, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish together in these new markets. Straightaway’s continued expansion also strengthens its position in existing markets and is a testament to the growth-accelerating capabilities it brings to bear for local brands.”

About Straightaway Tire & Auto
Straightaway Tire & Auto is a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform with 87 locations across Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. Straightaway focuses on building strong local brands by partnering with established automotive repair businesses to provide resources and operational expertise that drive growth and long-term success. The company is committed to strengthening the markets in which it operates and being a good steward of the communities it serves. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets through strategic acquisitions and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership. For more information, visit www.gostraightaway.com.

About O2 Investment Partners
O2 Investment Partners is a Midwestern-based private equity firm that seeks to acquire majority interests in lower middle market niche services, technology, and select industrial companies. The firm invests in businesses with earnings growth potential and a clear path to the creation of shareholder value. O2 invests with a view toward partnering with management to build and grow the business and take it to its next stage of development. This requires not only a clear vision and strategic plan to create shareholder value, but a close partnership and alignment of interest with management. Additional information is available at www.o2investment.com.