Republic to Acquire MacPherson Dealerships

Mega-dealer Republic Industries Inc., moving to further expand its hefty Southern California new-car network, has agreed to purchase most of Tustin-based MacPherson Enterprises’ dealerships, sources said. The purchase would give Republic 40 new-car dealerships in Southern California, making it the region’s largest auto retailer. The company also has four AutoNation used-car stores in the Southland and has plans to open several others. The deal to buy MacPherson, Southern California’s eighth-largest auto chain, would also solidify Republic’s position as the largest new-car dealer in Orange County by adding MacPherson’s leasing business and its Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda and Infiniti franchises to the 11 new-car dealerships Republic already owns there. Joe MacPherson, founder of MacPherson Enterprises, could not be reached for comment. Sources said he has signed a two-year management contract with Republic and will retain ownership of his Toyota dealership in the Tustin Auto Mall, which he helped develop. Officials at Florida-based Republic, which has targeted large, profitable Southern California dealerships in its plan to become the nation’s dominant auto retailer, was also unavailable for comment.