Galeana Auto Group is down to one dealership after selling two stores in Florida and another in South Carolina.

Bill Nero Automotive Group has acquired Galeana Kia of Fort Myers and Galeana Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM-Fiat of Fort Myers in Fort Myers, Fla., while Jack Salzman and Conrad Letson purchased Galeana Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM of Mount Pleasant in Mount Pleasant, S.C., according to Haig Partners, which represented the seller in both transactions.

Haig said the Galeana family — including late founder Frank Galeana’s children, company president Frank, vice president Carl and vice president Roseann McBain, as well as his son-in-law, chief operating officer Rusty McBain — retain ownership of Van Dyke Dodge RAM in Warren, Mich., the group’s original location.

Frank Galeana acquired Van Dyke Dodge more than 40 years ago and expanded the company to seven dealerships. Galeana, known as “Mr. G”, was one of the first Saturn dealers and the company was recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as the fifth largest Hispanic-owned business by revenue in 1988.

Bill Nero Auto Group, led by CEO Bill Nero, operates Universal Nissan and Universal Hyundai Genesis in Orlando. Haig said Nero has more than 40 years of “hands-on experience” in automotive retail.

Salzman previously owned CDJR of Lake Norman and CDJR of Gastonia, both in the Charlotte, N.C. area. Letson was previously a partner in several dealerships with Greenway Auto Group.

“I thought my days as a franchised dealer were behind me, and then this opportunity came up,” Salzman said. “CJDR in Mount Pleasant feels a lot like CDJR in Lake Norman 20 years ago, so Robin and I are excited to rejoin the auto retail business.”

Trophy Automotive enters sports world with LA Galaxy partnership

Trophy Automotive Dealer Group has entered the game.

The dealership group, which operates two Mercedes-Benz locations and three Kia stores in the Los Angeles area, has become an official partner of the 2024 MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy and the Major League Soccer team’s home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park.

The multi-year deal is Trophy’s first partnership with a professional sports team.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for Trophy Automotive Dealer Group to deepen our connection with the vibrant sports community in Southern California,” chairman and CEO Nasser Watar said. “Aligning with the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park allows us the opportunity to showcase our brand in a dynamic, high-energy setting while also giving back to our loyal customers and soccer fans.”

As part of the agreement, DHSP’s 2,200 square-foot, Champions Lounge will be renamed the Kia Champions Lounge.

The partnership will open with the launch of the Kia Champions Lounge Sweepstakes. Through Oct. 10, fans who live within a 75-mile radius of Dignity Health Sports Park can enter to win prizes by completing an online form at lagalaxy.com/kiasweepstakes and downloading the Trophy Automotive Dealer Group app.

The grand prize is a free two-year lease on a Trophy Kia Niro, with two runners-up receiving two tickets and two Kia Champions Lounge passes for the Galaxy’s Oct. 18 match against Minnesota United FC.

The lounge, located adjacent to the pitch, offers access near the player tunnel, allowing guests to watch players enter and exit the field before and after matches. The space includes a full-service bar, premium food service, VIP stadium access and preferred parking.

Trophy Automotive’s branding will be integrated throughout the lounge, including signage, customized décor and “unique touchpoints” during the Galaxy’s home matches.

Galaxy president of business operations and chief operating officer Tom Braun said Trophy’s “commitment to excellence and innovation aligns with our mission to provide the best possible experiences for our fans. The Kia Champions Lounge is set to provide our fans with an exclusive space that brings them even closer to the action and one-of-a-kind gameday experiences.”

The partnership includes a designated Title Night Game, during which Trophy Automotive will be the presenting sponsor of a marquee Galaxy match, with in-stadium activations, fan giveaways and engagement opportunities to celebrate the brand’s entry into the sports world.

Trophy Automotive will also be the presenting sponsor of the club’s “Player Arrivals” social media feature.

“This partnership exemplifies the type of premium brand collaboration we strive to bring to Dignity Health Sports Park,” said Adam Duvendeck, the stadium’s general manager. “Trophy Automotive Dealer Group’s investment in the Kia Champions Lounge elevates our hospitality offerings and provides fans with an upgraded matchday experience that reflects the energy and excitement of LA Galaxy soccer.”

Trophy Automotive will showcase its latest lineup of vehicles with on-site vehicle displays at select LA Galaxy home matches. Fans will have the opportunity to explore the newest models up close in designated activation areas, where brand ambassadors will be available to provide information and exclusive offers.