Aug. 15. Griffin Brothers, an icon in Lake Norman business, will continue to be run by managing partner Larry Griffin Jr.

“There was no question that if we ever did sell, it would have to be to a very special company,” Griffin said. The Griffins found just that in Alabama-based Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, the new owner.

“We would only make this transition with a company who would care for our customers, employees and communities with the same passion and integrity that we have stood for for 55 years. With our shared values and desire to serve each customer with excellence this will be a seamless transition’.

Birmingham-based Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, the buyer, said Charlotte is a strong growth market. Express Oil already has four locations in the Charlotte market.

“We are excited to add Griffin Brothers to the Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers family,” said Ricky Brooks, CEO of Express Oil. “We anticipate continued store growth in the Charlotte area as we optimize our locations in the market,” he said.

Other Griffin Bros. companies, including Pine Island Country Club, Greenway Waste Solutions and Griffin Brothers Acquisitions, are not part of the sale.