Lewis Buys Laney?s
by January 6, 2003 12:00 am 83 views
Fayetteville’s Lewis Automotive Group plans to close Jan. 31 on the purchase of Laney’s Collision Services Inc. in Springdale.
Tim Lewis, president of the dealership chain, would not disclose any financial details but said his company will move its existing collision centers to Laney’s site at 4406 S. Thompson St. in Springdale.
The deal includes Laney’s 25,000-SF facility, which features 30 repair and paint bays and the latest in repair technology. Laney’s has annual revenue of $2 million-$2.5 million, said Clint McDonald, it’s owner.
Lewis said his customer base has grown so much that a larger collision operation was needed. Because of Laney’s size and reputation, the marriage just made sense.
Lewis said the 20 existing Laney’s employees will stay. Clay Woody, who’s been with Lewis for 21 years, will be promoted to general manager.
Laney’s was founded in El Dorado in 1939 and has operated in Springdale since 1996.
Lewis had $122 million in 2001 revenue and employs more than 200 people. Its dealerships include Springdale Ford, used car lots in Farmington and Springdale and Lewis Chrysler-Dodge and Lewis Ford in Fayetteville. The Lewis Group also owns the Budget Rent-A-Car locations in Fayetteville, Springdale and at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA).