The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Serpentini seals major deal to buy dealerships
Automotive group acquires 3 Pat O’Brien Chevrolet dealerships to form largest Chevrolet group in Ohio
A new owner has gotten into the driver’s seat at three Chevrolet dealerships in Northeast Ohio.
Serpentini Auto Group has acquired Pat O’Brien Chevrolet businesses in Willoughby Hills, Westlake and Medina.
The transaction, which is effective immediately, creates what company President Bob Serpentini describes as the largest Chevrolet dealership group in Ohio. In addition, this Chevy group will be a prominent one on a national scale, as well, he said.
The well-known automotive entrepreneur announced on Jan. 16 that he and business partner Ken Ganley purchased the dealerships. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
With the acquisition, Serpentini will add the new locations to a roster of his namesake Chevrolet dealerships that already operate in Strongsville, Orrville and Tallmadge.
“It is our goal to exceed our customers’ expectations, and we are excited to be able to share this with more customers in even more accessible locations throughout Northeast Ohio,” Serpentini said. “We are appreciative of the team at Pat O’Brien Chevrolet for their partnership during this transition, and we look forward to serving their loyal customers who we now call our own.” The newly acquired dealerships are based at 2810 Bishop Road in Willoughby Hills; 25100 Detroit Road in Westlake; and 3880 Pearl Road in Medina. Pat O’Brien Chevrolet will retain ownership of its dealership at 2315 Route 60 in Vermilion.
Currently, the dealerships in Willoughby Hills, Westlake and Medina provide jobs for a total of about 180 to 200 employees, Serpentini said.
“And we will be adding to that (number of jobs),” he said, because of the anticipated growth of sales and service departments at all three sites to keep up with customer demand.
Customers also can expect to see expanded vehicles inventories throughout the acquired locations, which will be known as Serpentini
Chevrolet.
Already by early afternoon on Jan. 16, the Serpentini name was displayed on a sign attached to the dealership building in Willoughby Hills. The large, stand-alone illuminated signs at each location also will be changed soon, and accompanied by revisions to the Pat O’Brien Chevrolet website and commercials as part of the transition to the Serpentini brand.
Serpentini also promised that his new dealerships will play an active role in giving back to the surrounding communities. Serpentini Auto Group has donated cars to school districts; purchased the naming rights for North Royalton Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium; and has supported many other community charities financially and by volunteering.
“We get involved in the community not just by giving dollars, but also by giving time,” he said.
Serpentini founded his first Chevrolet dealership nearly 40 years ago, in 1980. By launching that venture, Serpentini also became the youngest ever first-generation Chevrolet dealer in the country at age 22.