By Clark Stork

FFUN Group branches into Northeast Sask.

Apr 2, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Nipawin Chrysler is now part of one of Western Canada’s largest auto dealer chains.

In an announcement Monday, FFUN Group said the company will take over ownership of the dealership effective immediately. Discussions have been ongoing for about three years between the two parties, according to Kyle Senger, FFUN vice-president of marketing.

“We’re always looking to add well-run businesses and great people to our group,” Senger told northeastNOW. “They have great staff there, there’s a lot of tenure and longevity, as well as product familiarity.”

Senger said the company is familiar with the Northeast region after FFUN acquired the Dodge dealership in Humboldt a few years ago. The group opened its first dealership in Saskatoon in 2003 and now has 23 locations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario. Senger said opening Nipawin Chrysler up to their marketing strategies, administration services, and increased stock will assist with local growth while allowing the staff to put customers first.

“They can focus on the sales, service, the parts; really the customer service is what they are good at. That’s what’s grown their business, and us providing those services will be the biggest benefit for customers,” Senger said.

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Ivan and Lyle Stankowski are the owners of the dealership, which also features a body shop. The cousins began seeking a buyer in order to let Lyle retire, while Ivan will continue as general manager and co-owner. Ivan said continuing to support Nipawin and the Northeast area was a key in the deal.

“We sponsor a lot of events and we’re a hometown dealership,” Ivan said. “FFUN wants us to continue to do the same and keep the businesses going as usual.”

No staff changes will be made at the dealership. Two separate entities will be created through the acquisition; the automotive division will continue to operate as Nipawin Chrysler Dodge, while the recreation division will be named Nipawin Motor Sports and Marine.

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork