Automotive Service Centers, Inc. Continues Expansion of Midas Network, Acquires 3 Additional Franchise Locations.

CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1998--Automotive Service Centers, Inc. (ASCI), a management company of branded automotive service and repair concepts, announced it has acquired 3 additional Midas service center franchises in Ft. Pierce, Port St. Lucie and Stuart, Florida.

Last month, ASCI announced its acquisition of 55 Midas franchise locations, creating the second largest network of Midas stores in the United States. The 3 new acquisitions bring ASCI's total to 58 franchise locations in 18 Florida counties. -0-

ASCI's newly acquired Midas stores are located at:

--   Ft. Pierce -- 2606 S. Federal Highway
--   Port St. Lucie -- 10730 South U.S. Highway 1
--   Stuart -- 5200 S.E. Federal Highway

"Expansion of our Midas network lets us provide improved automotive care and a uniformity of service to more consumers throughout the state of Florida," said Mr. Steven A. Uiterwyk, Chief Executive Officer of ASCI, adding, "We will continue to seek additional Midas acquisitions as well as other automotive repair and service opportunities."

Automotive Service Centers, Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, was formed in 1998 to acquire and consolidate automotive service and repair concepts, initially focusing on Midas shops in the southeastern United States. The company currently has approximately 400 employees and $35 million in annual sales.

Note to Editors: Photo of ASCI management team available upon request. Contact Ben Lee for electronic photo file.