The law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. announces that it recently represented Grand Rapids, Mich.-based AWI Holdings, Inc., the parent of Auto-Wares, Inc. and the Auto Wares Group of Companies, in its successful acquisition of Chicago-based Certified Automotive Warehouse and the Lee Parts Stores (consisting of approximately 23 stores and 2 warehouses in the Chicago area). With the addition of Certified and Lee, AWI Holdings and its subsidiaries will have a major aftermarket auto parts presence in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

AWI’s legal team was led by Miller Canfield business and finance attorney Leo P. Goddeyne. Also, attorneys Vernon A. Bennett III , tax and benefits, Steven M. Stankewicz, real estate, and Kalyn D. Redlowsk and Kurt N. Sherwood, labor and employment, also assisted with the transaction. All reside in the firm’s Kalamazoo office.

“AWI was very well served by the expertise of the Miller Canfield team,” said Gregory D. Hinkle, AWI’s chief financial officer.

Fred Bunting, chairman of AWI Holdings, Inc. stated, “We are very excited about making Certified and Lee a part of our group of companies. We plan to maximize every possible benefit by merging more than 65 years of aftermarket experience to produce the best services for all customers of the companies. We are bringing new energy, technology and ideas to Certified and Lee’s customers and their entire organization.”

About AWI Holdings, Inc.

The AWI Group of companies is a leading provider of aftermarket auto parts headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Auto-Wares has been fulfilling the complete parts needs for parts stores since 1976. AWI is made up of a group of companies, all providing specialization in inventory, product knowledge, and programs. Visit www.autowares.com.

About Miller Canfield

The 350-attorney law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. was established in Detroit in 1852 and has offices in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Howell, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Monroe, Saginaw, and Troy, Michigan. Other offices are located in New York City, Naples and Pensacola, Florida, Windsor, Ontario, and in Gdynia, Warsaw, and Wroclaw, Poland.