If you work for Max Auto Supply, major changes are on the horizon.
In June 2025, Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. acquired Midas International, one of North America’s most recognized tire and auto service brands. As a result of that deal, Midas is now set to purchase Max Auto Supply, a long-standing regional operation based in Toledo, Ohio.
This upcoming acquisition—expected to close in December 2025—could represent a significant financial event for Max Auto Supply employees, potentially including buyout payments or ESOP distributions. Understanding how this affects your finances and how to plan strategically will be essential in the months ahead.
Understanding the Max Auto Supply Buyout
The purchase agreement between Midas and Max Auto Supply has been signed, but final closing details are still pending.
Employees are now receiving notices about potential ESOP distributions or buyout options. These opportunities represent a significant moment to strengthen your financial foundation — but also come with complex tax, retirement, and investment choices that deserve careful attention. Smart decisions now could make a huge difference for yourself and your family.
What Happens to ESOP or Buyout Proceeds
If you’re part of Max Auto Supply’s ESOP or profit-sharing plan, here’s what typically happens when a company is acquired:
- Your shares are revalued based on the Mavis acquisition price.
- You may receive a lump-sum payout or a rollover option into an IRA or retirement plan.
- Plan administrators will issue paperwork outlining your payout structure, taxes, and distribution timeline.
Key Considerations:
- Tax implications: A cash payout may trigger significant taxes if not handled properly.
- Rollover opportunities: A direct rollover to an IRA can defer taxes and keep your money growing.
- Diversification: This could be the right time to diversify away from company stock and build a balanced portfolio.
How to Prepare Financially for the Midas Buyout
If you’re an employee, this event may represent the largest financial windfall of your career. These moments are often make-or-break moments for a lot of people. It can be easy to make emotional or impulsive decisions you will later regret. It’s important to approach this moment with clarity and wisdom.
Here’s how to approach it wisely:
1. Review Your Options Carefully
When HR or plan administrators release your buyout details, confirm whether you’ll receive:
- A cash distribution,
- A retirement rollover option, or
- A stock conversion.
Understanding your distribution type is the first step in making an informed decision.
2. Minimize Your Tax Burden
If you receive a lump-sum payout, taxes can take a big bite out of your proceeds. A fiduciary financial advisor or financial planner can help you structure a tax-efficient rollover to preserve your wealth and avoid unnecessary penalties.
3. Integrate the Buyout Into Your Bigger Plan
Think beyond the buyout itself. How can this new wealth accelerate your long-term goals — retirement, debt reduction, business ownership, or investment growth? Could you retire earlier as a result of this buyout? Could your family’s financial independence be achieved faster? Strategic planning ensures your buyout money becomes a stepping stone toward true financial independence.
How Wurz Financial Services Can Help
At Wurz Financial Services, we specialize in guiding clients through company buyouts, ESOP transitions, and liquidity events.
Our team provides comprehensive, fiduciary-based advice to help you:
- Evaluate your ESOP or buyout payout options
- Build a personalized investment and retirement strategy
- Reduce taxes and maximize long-term growth
- Make a plan to achieve financial independence by a certain date
- Build a lasting legacy for family and children
We understand that sudden financial transitions can be overwhelming — but with the right plan, they can also be life-changing opportunities.
Next Steps for Max Auto Supply Employees
If you’re a Max Auto Supply preparing for the Midas buyout, here’s what to do next:
- Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to review your payout options
- Get a personalized tax and investment strategy before finalizing any distributions
- Turn this transition into a lasting opportunity for financial independence
About the Author
Darren Wurz, MSFP, CFP®, is a fiduciary financial planner and co-founder of Wurz Financial Services, a fee-only firm helping individuals and business owners achieve financial freedom.
Darren is also the host of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast and the author of The Lawyer Millionaire (ABA Publishing). He and his team specialize in planning for professionals and employees experiencing major financial transitions such as buyouts, ESOP distributions, and business exits.