South Jersey auto giant finalizes largest retail acquisition in 100-year history

Mount Laurel-based Holman on Tuesday said it completed its previously announced acquisition of the North Carolina-based Leith Automotive Group.

The transaction nearly doubles Holman’s automotive retail business, which now features 58 dealerships, 34 brands and almost 4,500 retail automotive employees in nine states; and marks the largest retail acquisition in Holman’s 100-year history.

This expansion of Holman’s retail portfolio includes 13 new franchises and its first auction center. All Leith facilities are located in the greater Raleigh area and Aberdeen, North Carolina.

“In our centennial year, we’re excited about the opportunities to strengthen and grow our automotive retail footprint that began in 1924 with a single dealership. This acquisition represents the culmination of extensive strategy, hard work and vision to put our employee partners and our business in a position to win for the next 100 years,” Holman CEO Chris Conroy said.

Both family-owned organizations have a legacy of success and growth built on longstanding core values. Together, Holman and Leith remain committed to doing the right thing for their employees, customers and the community. The deal preserves the Leith brand and team.

“Like Holman, Leith has placed the highest priority on delivering excellent customer service by building a strong network of employee partners,” Holman President of Automotive Retail Gene Welsh said. “We are thrilled to welcome Leith’s 1,900 employees to the Holman family.”

Holman ranks as one of America’s largest privately-owned dealership networks. Additionally, the certified, women-owned broader Holman business delivers a unique range of automotive-centric services to commercial and consumer customers around the globe.