quote:

FreedomRoads to Acquire Earnhardt RV Centers
RV Business
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

National dealer network FreedomRoads LLC today (April 24) announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Earnhardt RV Centers of Arizona.

The dealership operates two locations within the greater Phoenix market. FreedomRoads, which currently has revenue in excess of $1.6 billion and retails approximately 36,000 units annually, said it will add nearly 2,000 additional retail units with the Earnhardt acquisition.

FreedomRoads has identified Arizona as a key market for growth and has initiated, through the acquisition of land, plans to open two new Arizona locations. In addition, RV accessories retailer Camping World Inc. will open SuperCenters at both existing Mesa and Avondale dealerships as well as at the new locations, due to open in 2008.

“This is a very important acquisition for our company both because it establishes us in a very important and fast growing market, and also because Earnhardt RV Centers are so high-performing,” said Marcus Lemonis, president and CEO for Chicago area-based FreedomRoads. “They are the quintessential retailers in this market and have built one of the more solid business platforms we have seen to date. They will be able to meet the demands of the kind of growth we are planning in the area. Consumers in Arizona are going to have convenient access to great products and services through our dealerships and Camping World SuperCenters.”

Craig Jensen, president of FreedomRoads Dealer Group noted: “This partnership gives our company additional footprints on the West. Our growth plan clearly shows this portion of the country as a key market. I was remarkably impressed by the talent of their key management and look forward to sharing best practices with that group”.

Bill Furano, general manager of Earnhardt RV, will assume the role of regional vice president of the Arizona market.

“We are really excited about being in the RV business and joining forces with FreedomRoads and Camping World,” he said. “Together we will expand the Arizona market to a whole new level.”

John & Marilyn Yoder
CMSgt (Ret) USAF
Sophia and Misha (Bichons)
2005 Excel Limited 35MKO
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John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)