Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli and Co, a Los Angeles based private equity firm that acquired the company in 2016 from its previous private equity owner, Roark Capital Group.
Batteries Plus is a specialty retail chain with more than 700 locations across the United States, selling batteries, light bulbs, and offering services like phone repair and key fob programming.
Ron Rezetko founded Batteries Plus in November 1988, opening the first flagship store in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before the company began franchising in 1992 and eventually expanded into bulbs and repair services nationwide.
So how did a single Wisconsin battery store grow into a nationwide franchise now backed by private equity?
This guide covers who owns Batteries Plus today, its founding story, its franchise model, and what services you can expect at a Batteries Plus store in 2026.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
Freeman Spogli Ownership Of Batteries Plus
Freeman Spogli and Co acquired Batteries Plus in 2016, taking over from Roark Capital Group, which had owned the franchise chain since 2011.
Private equity ownership has fueled continued expansion for Batteries Plus, with the company recently reporting 15 signed agreements for 30 new franchise units heading into the second half of 2026.
Batteries Plus Founding History
Ron Rezetko opened the first Batteries Plus store at 850 Hansen Road in Green Bay, Wisconsin in November 1988, initially focusing exclusively on batteries for consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial uses.
The company began franchising in 1992, when Dan and Susan Manwaring opened the first franchise location in Fort Wayne, Indiana, setting the template for the franchise model still used today.
Batteries Plus Bulbs And Product Expansion
Batteries Plus expanded its product lineup to include light bulbs, eventually rebranding for a period as Batteries Plus Bulbs to reflect the addition, a name still recognized by many long time customers searching for batteries plus bulbs locations.
Today the company carries thousands of battery and bulb types, along with accessories, making it a one stop destination for hard to find power and lighting products.
Batteries Plus Phone And Device Repair Services
Batteries Plus stores now offer smartphone and tablet repair services, including iPhone battery replacement and cracked screen repair, alongside their original battery and bulb business.
Key fob programming and car key replacement have also become a major part of the business, giving Batteries Plus locations a strong reputation as a convenient stop for automotive key and battery needs beyond just retail sales alone.
Batteries Plus Franchise Model
Batteries Plus operates primarily as a franchise business, with individual owners operating most of the 700 plus locations under agreements with corporate headquarters in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Franchise industry coverage has consistently ranked Batteries Plus among the larger specialty retail franchise systems in the country, citing steady unit growth even as overall retail franchising has faced headwinds.
Batteries Plus Versus Other Battery Retailers
Batteries Plus competes with other specialty battery retailers and general retailers that also sell batteries, though its combination of retail sales, bulbs, and repair services sets it apart from a company like Interstate Batteries, which primarily manufactures and distributes batteries rather than operating consumer facing repair services.
Big box retailers and auto parts stores also sell batteries, but typically without the specialized inventory and repair services that have become central to the Batteries Plus business model.
Is Batteries Plus Worth Shopping At
Customers searching for batteries plus near me typically visit for hard to find specialty batteries, such as watch batteries, key fob batteries, and industrial batteries not commonly stocked at general retailers.
Common praise centers on knowledgeable staff and same day repair services, while occasional complaints involve pricing being higher than online retailers for common battery types.
Better Business Bureau records for Batteries Plus locations generally show positive accreditation, though experiences can vary by individual franchise owner and location.
For hard to find batteries and same day device repairs, Batteries Plus remains one of the more convenient specialty options available, even though general purpose batteries may cost less at a big box retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Owns Batteries Plus
Who owns Batteries Plus in 2026?
Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli and Co, a private equity firm that acquired the franchise chain in 2016.
Who founded Batteries Plus?
Ron Rezetko founded Batteries Plus in November 1988, opening the first store in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before the company began franchising in 1992.
Is Batteries Plus a franchise?
Yes, Batteries Plus operates primarily as a franchise business, with more than 700 locations run by individual franchise owners under agreements with corporate headquarters in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Does Batteries Plus repair phones?
Yes, many Batteries Plus locations offer smartphone and tablet repair services, including battery replacement and screen repair, alongside their original battery and bulb retail business.
For a look at a major battery manufacturer rather than a retailer, see who makes Interstate Batteries.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.