CHARLESTON, S.C. -

American Auto Auction Group revealed early this week that it has aquired Your Auction Inc., gaining eight auction locations throughout Florida and Alabama for its portfolio. As part of the acquisition, the group also appointed Your Auction president and founder Gary Connors to the role of AAAG president.

Connors will serve as a member of the company’s board of directors and will also be working closely with AAAG’s founding member and chief operating officer Keith Lelux in day-to-day operations.

Furthermore, he will work closely with chief executive officer Steve Simon in expanding the company’s footprint throughout the country, officials noted.

Connors has 23 years of experience in the field as general manager of auctions for Anglo American and its successor company ADT in both Florida and Alabama.

"This is a perfect marriage for us.  We are a ‘people first’ company.  Our employees and clients are our single most important asset and that aligns perfectly with the philosophy and practices of American Auto Auction Group," Connors said.

The company also noted that Your Auction’s flagship operation has serviced the Tampa/St. Petersburg market and is now a 17-acre, six-lane facility that runs 1,000 vehicles each Wednesday. 

Additionally, Your Auction sites are located in Ft. Myers, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Stuart, and Merritt Island, Fla., as well as Birmingham, Ala.

Simon commented on the recent hire and expansion, noting, “Gary Connors brings not only a strong operations background from his years in the auction business, but also an entrepreneurial enthusiasm unmatched in our industry. 

“To say that we are thrilled to partner with Gary and have him as part of our executive team would be my understatement of the year.  Your Auction operations fit seamlessly with our existing auto auction properties across the Southeast and strengthen our position with both dealers and national accounts in the important Florida market.  This is another very important step as we become a national platform of independent auctions,” he continued.

Lelux also offered his opinion, saying, “Our strategy in growing the company has been to partner with the strongest independent auction operator in the markets we enter.  Gary Connors and his team at Your Auction fit this profile, and have built strong relationships based on service and respect.”

Industry consulting firm TPC Management Co. was an adviser on the recent transaction.

With the recent acquisition and expansion  AAAG,  headquartered in Charleston, S.C.,  now includes 11 auto auction operations. 

For additional information about AAAG, contact Steve Simon at (843) 579-AUTO or click here.