Smith System, a professional driver training service, announced that it has been acquired by David M. Boucher and McFadden Brothers, a New York City-based investment firm. Boucher, who acts as chairman of McFadden Brothers' other operating companies that include Cryogenic Transportation and Easton Coach Company, will also act as chairman of Smith System. Smith System was purchased from CNA Financial Corp. The company will continue its operations at its headquarters in Arlington, Texas. Smith's management team will be led by Tony Douglas, who will act as president and CEO. "As the recognized leader in driver improvement training, Smith System has sustained a rich history of success thanks to the contributions of its employees and customers," said Douglas. "My first exposure to Smith System was as a courier trainee with Federal Express in 1981. Since then I have put the Smith System to work in many companies with outstanding results. I believe in the Smith System philosophy and the positive impact our products have on corporations and individuals." Smith System was founded in 1952 as the nation's first fleet driver safety training organization with on-road, hands-on safety education techniques for experienced drivers. Smith System says it delivers behind the wheel instruction to more than 15,000 fleet drivers each year and has presented their program in 47 countries. "We are very pleased that Smith System has become one of our portfolio companies," said Boucher, chairman. "We are committed to supporting the continuous improvement of products and services, employing the latest technology in driver improvement, and providing the value added training and support materials that customers have come to expect from Smith System." McFadden Brothers has other interests in transportation-related companies, including Cryogenic Transportation, Inc., a Houston-based trucking company specializing in the carriage of industrial gases; and Easton Coach Company, an Easton, Pennsylvania-based passenger transportation company.
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