Murray Automotive Group and Dean Cooley GM are purchasing Kelleher Ford.
The takeover will be official on May 3rd when Kelleher Ford will become Dauphin Ford.
Dean Cooley says this was an easy and exciting decision.
“The Ford franchise is something that both myself, and the Murray Automotive Group had aspired to have, so that is very exciting for us to be able to acquire a dealership that is in close proximity to our dealership. It makes the efficiencies of running them very well.”
Cooley adds that he doesn’t see any major changes happening after Kelleher Ford is bought.
“We think they have a really strong staff, we want to build on what their successes have been and try to improve on the dealership in any way we can. We’re very excited to have the Ford franchise, obviously, they have a fantastic line of vehicles, with a focus on electrification in the future.”
Chuck Burton, General Manager of Kelleher Ford, is about to retire, and says the takeover has been in the works for a while.
“I always wanted to back away (from the company) when I turned 60, and last week I turned 60.”
While most staffing is staying the same, Wade Thiele who is the current sales manager at Cooley's, will be replacing Burton as the General Manager of the new Dauphin Ford.
Burton says it’s with mixed emotions that they sell the dealership and leave Dauphin after 12 years.
“We’ve made some great friends here, great customers, and we just want to say thank you to everybody in the Parkland for their support over the last 12 and a half years.”
A grand opening celebration won’t be able to happen for a while due to COVID-19 restrictions.
