OPENLANE has sold its High Tech Locksmiths business unit to Dent Wizard, a reconditioning services provider.

Dent Wizard announced the deal (which became effective Dec. 16) just before the holidays.

HTL was founded in 1992 and provides locksmithing services to auto auctions, repossession agents, financial institutions, dealers and rental-car companies.

OPENLANE, then known as KAR Auction Services, acquired HTL in January 2014.

“The acquisition of HTL provides us the opportunity to accelerate the growth of our aftermarket keys business and provide unparalleled service to our combined customer base,” Dent Wizard CEO Mike Black said in a release. “We are thrilled to welcome the HTL team to Dent Wizard.”

In a statement provided to Auto Remarketing, OPENLANE CEO Peter Kelly said, “Over the past few years, OPENLANE has sharpened our strategic focus and positioning as the premier digital marketplace provider for wholesale used vehicles. This transaction advances our strategy, simplifies our business model and enhances value for both our customers and stockholders.”

St. Louis-based Dent Wizard was founded in 1983 and offers recon services like paintless dent repair, minor wheel and paint refinishing, interior repair, key replacement, in-transit repair, along with hail and catastrophe services.

As for HTL, it includes a fleet of more than 100 “mobile warehouses” providing on-site generation and duplication services throughout the country.

HTL chief operating officer David Moore said in the release, “HTL is excited about our future as a part of the Dent Wizard organization. The combination of our companies will create an improved offering and value proposition to both existing and potential new customers.”

Dent Wizard names VP of finance

In other news from the company, Dent Wizard announced New Year’s Day that Nicole Lindner has been named vice president of finance. Lindner was most recently VP of finance at TrueBlue.

Her background also includes several roles at Ecolab.

“I’m excited to join Dent Wizard during such a pivotal time and to help drive financial alignment and innovation across the organization,” Lindner said in a news release. “I look forward to leveraging my financial and operational expertise to enhance reporting, drive strategic initiatives, and support the team in achieving its ambitious goals.”

Dent Wizard president Bryan Wynn added: “Nicole’s deep financial expertise, combined with her proven track record in integration and process optimization, will be invaluable as we continue to advance our financial strategy and operational excellence. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”