New owner takes over at Merlin in Batavia

Merlin based in St. Charles said that Tim Williams has taken ownership of the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop located at 162 Independence Drive in Batavia.

The Batavia Merlin Shop is the fourth shop franchised by Williams since acquiring his first shop in 2013 in DeKalb. Williams also operates the Merlin Shops in Loves Park and Woodstock.

The Merlin Shop in Batavia originally opened in September 1997, as one of Merlin's first prototype designs featuring enlarged waiting rooms and service bays.

Williams has had a long career with Merlin, starting with the company in 1984. He rapidly progressing from middle management to director. He held various director positions during his tenure and was instrumental in the development and rollout of Merlin's 200,000 Mile Shops rebranding. In 2013, looking for a new challenge, he chose to become a Merlin franchisee and leave the corporate team.

"I'm excited to be part of the Batavia community and to continue to offer customers professional repair, maintenance and tires for their vehicles," Williams said. "We look forward to helping customers reach their mileage goal and discover that "Life is Better Without Car Payments" with our easy and affordable Drive for 200,000 maintenance program."