Pull-A-Part buys DJJ’s U-Pull-&-Pay division

Atlanta-based Pull-A-Part, an industry-leading automotive recycler, says it has acquired U-Pull-&-Pay (UPAP), a wholly owned subsidiary of The David J. Joseph Co. (DJJ). Cincinnati-based DJJ is part of the Charlotte, North Carolina-based Nucor family of steel and steel products companies. The terms of the Pull-A-Part acquisition of UPAP have not been disclosed.

Pull-A-Part adds 11 of the former UPAP sites, including locations in Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, to its network of 25 do-it-yourself (DIY) used auto parts retail stores and salvage yards, expanding its reach to 36 stores in 16 states.

Photo courtesy of Pull-A-Part

This is the largest acquisition in Pull-A-Part's history and an acknowledgment of its commitment to growth and expansion in the U.S., according to the company. Through this acquisition, Pull-A-Part will add 11 locations in the U.S., Pull-A-Part will now operate 36 locations in 16 states nationwide.

Derick Corbett, senior vice president of External Affairs at Pull-A-Part, tells Recycling Today, "We have wanted to do this for a long time, and initial discussions regarding the transaction started in early spring of this year. Nucor decided that it wanted to part with that segment of their business, and Pull-A-Part immediately threw our hat in the ring to compete for the opportunity."

Following the purchase, he says Pull-A-Part is the largest privately owned self-service used auto parts location and end-of-life vehicle recycler in the U.S. 

"In key areas ranging from safety to environmental stewardship to the innovation in the way we operate and the products and services we deliver for our customers, our now expanded team will be able to better capitalize on market opportunities and we can really lead the way in our industry," Corbett adds.

"The acquisition of DJJ's U-Pull-&-Pay business unit is a significant milestone in the growth of our business," says Ross Kogon, CEO of Pull-A-Part. "U-Pull-&-Pay has operated their stores with the same commitment to safety, the environment, its customers and the communities it serves that have helped us succeed, and we are excited to add their team to the Pull-A-Part family."

Corbett adds. "Likewise, we’re excited to continue to do business with Nucor/DJJ and work together to keep our supply chains strong and our environment clean and healthy."

Pull-A-Part says it intends to continue to operate UPAP stores as a separate brand in the markets it serves.

"While it was a difficult decision to sell our U-Pull-&-Pay division, we believe the placement of the business with Pull-A-Part offers our teammates a great opportunity to continue growing their careers in the self-serve auto parts business with an industry leader," says Doug Jellison, Nucor executive vice president raw materials. "We want to thank our U-Pull &-Pay teammates for their dedication to building a successful and safe business, and we wish them much success as they continue their careers under Pull-A-Part's ownership."

Rockefeller Capital Management acted as exclusive financial advisor to Pull-A-Part on the transaction. Arnall Golden Gregory LLP served as legal advisor on the transaction.