Pickups Plus buys auto servicer

Pickups Plus Inc., a Union Township-based truck and SUV accessory retailer and franchiser, expects to double its annual revenue, to $3 million, through the acquisition of the Auto Preservation Division of Blue Ash-based Automotive International Inc. Auto Preservation supplies undercoating, rustproofing and other services to Cincinnati area auto dealers through its locations in Blue Ash and Anderson Township. Pickups Plus last month agreed to pay $1.7 million in cash and restricted stock for Auto Preservation.

Bench gets seat on 5/3 Fla. board

Cincinnati Reds Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench Wednesday was appointed to the Fifth Third Bank (Florida) board of directors. Fifth Third Bank (Florida), headquartered in Naples, is one of 17 affiliates of Fifth Third Bancorp of Cincinnati. The Florida affliate has $1 billion in assets. Bench, who lives in Anderson Township, has a "varied background in baseball and broadcasting, extensive business network and overall winning persona'' that will help the Florida franchise grow, said Colleen M. Kvetko, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Florida).

Staff reports