As part of an initiative to optimize the Jiffy Lube brand and strengthen its position in the fast lube industry, Jiffy Lube International has sold 68 company-owned service centers in the greater Houston, Dallas -- Fort Worth and San Antonio markets to franchise group Allied Lube, Inc.

With the acquisition of these stores, the Allied Lube group becomes the third-largest franchisee in the Jiffy Lube system with 105 Jiffy Lube service centers in California, Colorado and Texas. At the annual Jiffy Lube International Franchisee Convention earlier this year, Allied Lube was recognized for its outstanding facilities in the Western Division.

Jiffy Lube International is working closely with Allied Lube to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Jiffy Lube, with more than 2,200 service centers in North America, serves approximately 28 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with faster professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube International is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company.