Matco Tools
Automotive · Automotive Parts & Supplies
- Active units
- 1,741
Franchised, year-end 2025
About Matco Tools
Matco Tools is an American company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of professional automotive repair tools, equipment, and franchise opportunities. Founded in 1946 by Louis J. Mattera, Matco Tools is headquartered in Stow, Ohio, United States. Matco Tools offers a wide range of products including hand tools, power tools, diagnostic and testing equipment, tool storage solutions, and automotive service equipment. The company provides high-quality tools to professional mechanics and technicians in various industries including automotive, aviation, marine, and industrial. On a global scale, Matco Tools operates as a subsidiary of Fortive Corporation, a diversified industrial growth company. It also operates under the umbrella of the Tools Group within Fortive. Matco Tools mainly operates in the United States, with a strong network of franchisees and direct sales representatives across the country. Matco Tools has built a strong market position and is considered one of the top players in the professional automotive tools industry. The company has developed a reputation for high quality, innovative products, and excellent customer service. It competes with other major brands such as Snap-on, Mac Tools, and Craftsman. In recent years, Matco Tools has made significant strides in expanding its product lineup and introducing new technologies. The company has focused on developing advanced diagnostic tools and equipment to meet the evolving needs of technicians working on modern vehicles. Currently, Matco Tools continues to expand its presence in the United States through franchise opportunities and direct sales. The company constantly updates its product offerings to stay competitive and maintain its position as a leading supplier of automotive repair tools and equipment. Overall, Matco Tools is a well-established brand in the automotive industry, known for its high-quality products, strong market presence, and commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$10k
- Veteran Award Program
Standard or ETD Distributorship: $20,000 of hand tools (list price) at no charge
- Veteran Award Program
225 Distributorship: $13,500 of hand tools (list price) at no charge
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2026 filing); filings on file: 2025, 2026.
Growth
- Total locations1741
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings—
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate-3.9%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR-2.8%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio—
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate—
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$240k
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open33 months
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
↓ Lower is better - Royalty rate—
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
- Sales-to-investment ratio—
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
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Sources
Financial and operating figures are sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Documents. Brand percentile rankings are based on comparisons to other brands that include the same metrics in their Franchise Disclosure Documents.