Texas Business reports:  HOUSTON—Heartland Automotive Services Inc., America's largest Jiffy Lube franchisee, expanded into a new market with an acquisition of 18 locations in the Spokane, Washington area and nearby communities in Idaho and Oregon.

This month, the company completed the purchase of 15 locations from Tri-City Fast Lube and three locations from Tuber Luber ownership groups.

“Building on Jiffy Lube Heartland's strong footprint in the Washington state area, this acquisition allows us to grow our presence in this region to more than 100 locations,” chief executive Brett Ponton in a prepared statement.

All of the employees in the acquired stores were given the option of retaining their current positions following the acquisition. In several instances, Heartland brings new health care insurance and retirement benefits to the teammates not previously available to them.

The new Washington locations include eight in Spokane, two in Kennewick, and one each in Clarkston, Veradale, Richland, Pasco and Walla Walla. There are also two new locations in Lewiston, Idaho and one in Hermiston, Ore.

Over the past several months, Jiffy Lube Heartland has embarked on an aggressive acquisition strategy, including areas in New York, Texas and both coasts. In 2011 alone, Jiffy Lube Heartland's strategic acquisitions have grown its total number of locations nationwide by more than 16 percent.

“Our vision is to be trusted by consumers and recognized by our peers as the best place for quick, professional vehicle care within the neighborhoods we serve,” Ponton said. “We strive to do this by exceeding every guest's expectation, on every visit, with consistent 'Signature Service' delivered through our committed organization of friendly, knowledgeable and professional teammates.”

Heartland Automotive Services, dba Jiffy Lube, operates more than 470 Jiffy Lube locations from coast to coast and serves nearly 4 million customers each year.