SALT LAKE CITY -

On Monday, the management team at Larry H. Miller Dealerships made its second acquisition in the Denver metro area this year and 10th acquisition in the last 18 months.

Now the group’s eighth store in Colorado is Lakewood Fordland in Lakewood, Colo.

Lakewood Fordland has been serving the Denver market since 1962, and recently celebrated 50 years in a new state-of-the-art facility consisting of 60,000 square feet. The store is located at 11595 W. 6th Ave. in Lakewood and has been renamed Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood.

“We’ve been in a period of growth over the last two years as the auto industry is strong and the Denver market is thriving,” LHM Dealerships president Dean Fitzpatrick said.

“Colorado is one of our largest markets, and we’ve done business in the state since 1987 when we opened our first store,” Fitzpatrick continued. “This acquisition shows our continued commitment to the Denver metro area.”

The group’s history in Colorado is a long one.

Larry H. Miller began his career as a parts salesman in Denver in 1970. In 1987, he opened his first store in the state, Larry H. Miller Toyota Scion Boulder.

In 1988, LHM Dealerships opened Larry H. Miller Liberty Toyota Colorado Springs. Larry H. Miller Toyota Colorado Springs opened in 1992, and Larry H. Miller Kia Lakewood and Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Lakewood both opened in 2001.

A Nissan store was added to the group in 2006, with the addition of Larry H. Miller Nissan Highlands Ranch. In May, LHM Dealerships opened Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 104th in Thornton.

“I’ve done business with the Larry H. Miller Group for nearly 20 years through their company that provides vehicle service contracts,” said seller Robert Liedel.

“I know they take good care of their customers and employees and actively give back to the community,” Liedel continued. “It also brings me comfort to know that they’re retaining my current team of employees and welcoming them into the LHM family.”

LHM Dealerships strongly supports giving back in the communities where it conducts business. Through Larry H. Miller Charities, the dealerships give back to communities by focusing their united service and corporate giving on women’s and children’s issues, with an emphasis on health and education.

Since 1996, more than $225,000 has been donated to nearly 70 qualified nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.