LaFontaine Automotive Group in Highland Township, the largest family-owned dealer group in Michigan, has acquired Lou LaRiche Chevrolet in Plymouth Township. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
This is the second acquisition for LaFontaine in 2023. In January, it picked up Pfeiffer Lincoln in Grand Rapids.
The Lou LaRiche acquisition brings LaFontaine Automotive Group’s portfolio to 34 retail locations in Michigan, representing 54 franchises.
“We are a family-focused business with an emphasis on our guests, family and the communities we serve,” says Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group. “My family has had the opportunity to know the LaRiche family for many years and when this opportunity presented itself, we knew it was a perfect match.
“With a key location in metro Detroit, we are very optimistic for the future growth of this dealership and see it quickly rising through the ranks to be one of General Motors’ top Chevrolet retail locations in the United States.”
Keith Davey will oversee the new Plymouth Township location as general manager. Previously, Davey was general manager of LaFontaine’s Buick GMC and Ford locations in Lansing.
Matthew Bailey, currently general sales manager of LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland in Highland Township, will transition to the same position at the Lou LaRiche location.
Following the closing, the dealership will be renamed LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth. Kelley LaFontaine will be the dealer operator.
Scott LaRiche, vice president of Lou Lariche Chevrolet, says: “My family has poured our heart into the Plymouth community for 53 years. My staff, the community, and the business my family has built means so much to myself and family.
“On behalf of family, we want to thank our guests, employees, and community for the countless memories and friendships over the years. It was very important to my family to find another family-focused company that is aligned on our values and culture to carry on our legacy, and we found just that with the LaFontaine family. We know that LaFontaine Automotive Group will continue to provide the same high level of service and dedication to our customers that we have always strived for.”
LaFontaine Automotive Group has added 17 retail locations in the past five years, all in Michigan. The group’s reach spans from Grand Rapids to St. Clair.
The group was founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine. In addition to its , the nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group now includes 34 dealerships and 54 retail franchises, the group operates nine collision centers and has nearly 2,500 employees.
“Community and philanthropy remains a cornerstone of our group since my mom, Maureen LaFontaine, went door-to-door back in Plymouth in 1984, building lifelong relationships and uplifting the communities that have supported us,” says Kelley LaFontaine, vice president of LaFontaine Automotive Group. “There is a rich sense of community in and around the Plymouth area and we will quickly align ourselves with the organizations and initiatives making a positive impact on fellow residents and business alike.”
