Middletown, Conn. - InStereo LLC, owner of the Boomer McLoud mobile audio retail franchise, has merged with Jo-Di's/A-Z Auto, an 11-store mobile audio chain and distributor.

Under terms of the deal, Jo-Di's 11 retail outlets will become Boomer McLoud locations, bringing the store count for that franchise to 88 units in eight states. Day-to-day duties of the new entity will be handled by Joe DiFazio, founder and president of Jo-Di's, and Steve Laplante, that company's general manager. InStereo founder and president Russ Weldon will continue to focus on business development.

According to Laplante, the combined companies represent the largest wholesale and retail distribution network for car audio and accessories in the Northeast. The principals said the merger will create a more efficient business model by doubling volume and reducing expenses through the economies realized by consolidating overhead.