The number of Midas automotive service shops in Nashville, TN, is increasing significantly.

Ron Atkisson, who opened his first Kar Plus shop in Nashville in 1984, has become a Midas franchisee and will convert four Kar Plus shops in the Nashville area to the Midas brand. He also will reopen two previously closed Nashville-area Midas shops.

The conversion of independently owned repair outlets to the Midas brand is part of a strategic effort to accelerate the growth of the Midas system in North America. Independents who convert are being offered special incentives from Midas to assist in shop renovation and equipment purchasing.

"The conversion of the Kar Plus outlets into Midas shops significantly enhances the presence of the Midas brand in the Nashville market," said Alan Feldman, president and chief executive officer of Midas, Inc. "These shops will join our other Midas shops in providing a full range of high quality, cost-competitive automotive repairs and routine maintenance services to Nashville motorists."

Four Kar Plus shops in Nashville, Madison, Belle Meade and LaVergne are being refurbished and re-equipped to open as Midas shops by early 2006. Atkisson also will reopen one Midas shop in Nashville and one in Hermitage.

Atkisson said his Kar Plus shops have specialized in basic maintenance, engine tune-ups and drivability. As his shops convert to Midas, he will put more emphasis on brake repairs and will add tires and exhaust service.

"We are extremely excited about serving our customers through the most respected brand name in the industry," Atkisson said. "Our shops also will benefit from the marketing, operational and training support Midas offers, as well as the improved buying power for parts through Midas’ supply chain partners.

"Being associated with Midas positions us to compete more effectively in the marketplace," he said.

"We are aggressively reaching out to independent operators such as Ron Atkisson, who can grow their revenues and profitability by converting their shops to Midas," Feldman said. "Conversions provide the company with an effective method to expand the Midas brand and our shop base."

In addition to the Kar Plus conversion, former Midas franchisee Michael Chilando is returning to the system to reopen a Midas shop in Nashville. Current franchisees Billy and Danette Godwin will continue to operate their Midas shop in Nashville.