Leader Auto Resources (LAR), based in Montreal, and Cleveland-based private equity firm Resilience Capital Partners, are partnering to expand LAR’s auto dealership sourcing and service business in the U.S. Through the investment by Resilience Capital, LAR’s existing U.S. business will be rebranded as DealerShop, and will be led by automotive industry veterans Mary Petrovich, chairman, and Bill Gryzenia, president and CEO.
LAR was founded 40 years ago and is the largest sourcing partner for franchised new vehicle dealerships in North America, serving more than 2,000 dealer franchises and 270 collision centers primarily across Canada. Together, LAR and DealerShop plan to grow by leveraging greater purchasing power, enhancing the customer experience through technology investments and process improvements, and elevating its collision center, parts and services offerings.
DealerShop, which will handle and expand all of the company’s U.S. operations, will be headquartered in the Detroit area and serve as a subscription-based distribution hub for supplying dealerships with everything needed to operate their business — from administrative supplies and services, to warehouse and direct-purchase products from the world’s leading suppliers, to capital equipment. Experts within the company will routinely and objectively analyze an extensive variety of supplies, parts, equipment and more to deliver dealers the best pricing and streamline steps for their respective purchasing departments.
DealerShop intends to utilize LAR’s proven business model, create stronger distribution channels and utilize its expansive network to successfully negotiate rates locally. In addition to forging its own path in the U.S. market, DealerShop will continue to support LAR’s continued growth in Canada.
The vast majority of inventory purchased through DealerShop will be shipped directly from its planned distribution center and headquarters in the Detroit area. In some cases, items will be drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer, but still ordered through DealerShop.
