Quaker State Buys Oil-Change Chain

Quaker State Corp. said it purchased Snappy Lube, one of the largest independent oil-change chains in California, for an undisclosed price in stock. Closely held Monterey-based Snappy Lube operates 14 stores in Central and Northern California, including three in the San Francisco Bay Area. Quaker State said it will switch the Snappy Lube stores to the Quaker State Q Lube name and that they will be operated by Pacific CarCare, Quaker State’s franchisee in the area. Irving, Texas-based Quaker State, a producer of automotive oil and lubricants, has bought a variety of automotive products and service companies in recent months, including Medo Cos., which makes car air fresheners, and Blue Coral Inc., which supplies car-wash products. Quaker State shares were unchanged at $14.625 on the NYSE.