Birchwood Automotive Group, the most important vendor group in Manitoba, has bought Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler from the McManes Auto Group of Calgary. The deal, for an undisclosed value, was closed Oct. 3.
Jim McManes says it’s the primary dealership he’s ever bought, and it brings the variety of shops below the McManes banner all the way down to 19 “and takes us out of Manitoba.”
“I did study one factor throughout the course of,” he mentioned. “It’s rather a lot more durable to promote a dealership than it’s to purchase one. I’m a Manitoba boy and that made it a bit more durable, too.”
McManes says he’s “proud of the deal, although. I’ve received a number of respect for Birchwood President Steve Chipman. Birchwood has taken excellent care of our individuals. There have been no layoffs, and all people has saved their authentic place.”
There have been “a few resignations, however that’s par for the course,” he mentioned.
He mentioned Chipman had been attempting to purchase the dealership “for years so I simply determined to promote.”
The acquisition provides Birchwood full possession of Pointe West AutoPark on Winnipeg’s west aspect and brings its dealership whole to 24 shops with 22 nameplates.