MINNETONKA, Minn. -

The chief executive of Morrie’s Automotive Group and a private holdings company are set to buy the dealership group.

Under the agreement, Morrie’s CEO Karl Schmidt and Fremont Private Holdings would acquire all of the dealership group’s stores, body shops and related real estate from founder and current owner Morrie Wagener.

Pending manufacturer approval, the ownership transfer should happen this quarter or early next year.

“Morrie’s does not anticipate any material changes to its management structure, staffing or dealership operations as a result of the transaction,” the dealership group said in its statement.

Wagener founded the company in 1960, and Schmidt has led its operations since 2009.

The group’s brands include Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru. It has stores in in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

"I built a business on the basics. Do what's right, hire good people and provide a better experience. Running a business is nothing more than satisfying people, those who work for Morrie's and those who shop Morrie's," said Wagener.

The company said that Morrie’s will be able to add stores and more staff, broaden brand offerings and “bring further innovation to the car-shopping experience to make it more transparent and more enjoyable,” thanks to the purchase.
 
"The Morrie's name will continue to be used, and Morrie's will continue to lead the way in customer experience. I'm excited for my family, excited for the customers and, most of all, excited to watch how Morrie's Automotive Group evolves the dealership concept," said Wagener.

Russ Darrow Group delivers the breakfast goods

Staying in the Upper Midwest, Wisconsin-based Russ Darrow Group announced on Oct. 12 it has teamed up with McDonald’s Southeastern Wisconsin for a contest involving, you guessed it, breakfast from the Golden Arches.

The regional McDonald’s group is hosting a “Breakfast for Lunch for Ten” promotion, and will be delivering the winners their food via Russ Darrow Group’s “All Day Breakfast Mobile.”

That car, by the way, is a specially wrapped Kia Soul.

Contestants enter the drawing by following @McDonaldsMKE on Twitter and tweeting, “Bring me breakfast!” They also have to include where they work.

McDonald’s will have a random drawing of the Twitter followers each Monday afternoon through Oct. 29. Those who are drawn will have breakfast items delivered to their workplaces by the Southeastern Wisconsin McDonald’s employees in the Russ Darrow “All Day Breakfast Mobile.”

Contestants can also register at the contest page of 103.7 KISS-FM.