In October 2024, American Tire Distributors (ATD) entered a restructuring support agreement with certain lenders as part of its rebuilding strategy. This is the second time since 2018 that ATD has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
ATD then entered a “stalking horse” asset purchase agreement (APA) on Nov. 24 with a buyer entity. Most recently, Michelin North America notified tire dealers that ATD will no longer serve as an authorized distributor for its brands, starting July 1.
In response to the changes, ATD penned an open letter to its industry partners and customers. It said it will focus on rebuilding its role in the marketplace.
Read the full letter outlining the ATD rebuilding strategy, below:
Over the past several months, American Tire Distributors has navigated one of the most significant transitions in our company’s history. Recent shifts in our vendor portfolio mark a significant moment in our journey. We recognize the impact these changes have had on our customers, partners, and the industry —and we meet this moment with transparency, urgency, and resolve.
Today, we stand united and forward-looking, backed by a world-class team, a resilient and fully supportive vendor network, a committed ownership group, and a Board of Directors that believes deeply in our mission. Together, we are not simply responding—we are rebuilding, reinvesting, and redefining our role in the marketplace.
Our Path Forward
ATD now operates with a clean balance sheet, sufficient liquidity, and the full endorsement of our ownership group. This financial flexibility allows us to invest in people, infrastructure, and innovation at a time when others are constrained.
Our strategy includes working hand-in-hand with all of our loyal manufacturer partners to fill product voids with compelling, high-quality offerings across every segment. These partners appreciate the important role ATD plays in our industry, for customers and vendors alike.
Our service model will remain unchanged and centers on operational precision. We are doubling down on inventory availability, service reliability, and order accuracy—areas where we have and will lead. Our investments in logistics technology, automation, and data analytics will enable us to continue serving customers faster and smarter than ever before.
Every decision we make begins with the customer in mind. We are investing in field teams, tools, and programs designed to help our customers grow their businesses—because our success is measured by theirs.
A Message to the Marketplace
We welcome the questions—and understand why they are being asked. We’re confident in our answers and the solutions we’re shaping, grounded in performance, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by perseverance. This is not a return to business as usual. This is a reset of who we are and how we lead.
To our loyal and valued customers: Your resilience, trust, and entrepreneurial spirit define this industry. We are here to help you grow and thrive—with better service, better programs, and better alignment. We will continue to earn your business each day, product by product, delivery by delivery.
To our Tire Pros franchisees: You are a vital part of our future. We remain fully committed to supporting your businesses with a stronger platform, more integrated resources, and an enhanced customer value proposition.
To our vendor-partners: We will be the distributor who delivers—volume, value, growth, and long-term alignment.
To our team: We’ve built a culture defined not by adversity, but by how we rose from it. Stay proud.
To the press and industry analysts: This is a pivotal time for ATD. What happens next will be defined not by recent events, but by the strength of our response and the power of our partnerships.
We are not retreating, we are accelerating. This bold reset focuses on operational excellence, customer needs, and financial strength. With the support of our team, partners, and stakeholders, we are building something better. More focused, flexible and committed to helping our customers succeed than ever before.
With confidence and determination,
American Tire Distributors
