The Ed Morse Automotive Group is expanding its Midwest footprint with the acquisition of two dealerships in Henry County, Illinois, the Florida-based dealership announced in a news release Thursday, May 11.
The auto dealership, which already owns dealerships in Muscatine and DeWitt, Iowa, said it now has acquired the Crowe Auto Group dealerships in Kewanee and Geneseo. Ed Morse Automotive Group purchased the dealerships from George Koustas with Crowe Auto Group. The transaction was brokered by Scott Mackie with National Business Brokers.
The new dealerships will be renamed:
- Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, formerly Crowe Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, located at 303 Tenney St., Kewanee.
- Ed Morse Ford, formerly Crowe Ford, located at 1041 S. State St., Geneseo.
These new locations add to the company’s growth in Illinois by joining its multiple dealerships in Red Bud and New Athens, while also being close in proximity to its two eastern Iowa dealerships.
“When presented with the opportunity to expand further into Illinois… we jumped at it. These two dealerships fit perfectly into our family-owned model as they have dedicated employees, a loyal customer base, and prepared for growth,” said Teddy Morse, chairman and CEO of Ed Morse Automotive Group, said in a news release announcing the purchase. “We look forward to continuing these dealerships’ history of great deals and outstanding customer service, while supporting the local community,” he added.
Ed Morse entered the Iowa market in spring of 2022 with its purchase of four auto dealerships and a parts center from Krieger Motor Co. of Muscatine.
Headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, the Ed Morse Automotive Group has been family-owned for more than 75 years. These acquisitions will add 33 employees to its 2,000-plus employee base, growing its locations to 40 dealerships, 82 franchises and 25 automotive and motorcycle brands.
In addition to Iowa and Illinois, Ed Morse Automotive has dealerships and related businesses in Florida, Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The company is one of the nation’s fastest growing and most respected automotive and motorcycle dealer groups.
