With the opening of Genesis of Lafayette in Louisiana, the Genesis brand now has its first standalone dealership in the U.S.

The store, owned and operated by Arthur LeBlanc Jr. and Sterling Automotive Group, is the first of several dealerships Genesis has planned for the U.S., with six additional locations under construction and 20 more in the planning phase, the company said.

“We are glad to partner with Arthur LeBlanc and Sterling Automotive Group on our first standalone retail facility in the United States,” Genesis Motor North America chief operating officer Claudia Marquez said in a news release. “I want to extend my thanks to the entire Sterling Automotive Group for creating a space beautifully designed and so befitting of our remarkable products.”

LeBlanc added: “Genesis is an exciting brand and I’m pleased to be investing in its bright future.”

As part of the grand opening, the dealership and Genesis Motor America donated $15,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana.

“Genesis is proud to be giving back in Lafayette,” said Dana White, chief communications officer of Genesis Motor North America, in the news release. “Thank you to Arthur LeBlanc for his partnership in supporting the Boys and Girls Club and the community of Lafayette.”

Dealership M&A in Florida, Texas

Elsewhere, Key Auto Group has purchased Bob Pforte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Marianna, Fla., from Bob Pforte, according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services.

The dealership has been renamed Key Chrysler Doge Jeep Ram of Marianna.

“After 57 years as a dealer, it was not an easy decision to sell. I met with George Chaconas and Courtney Bernhard of Performance Brokerage Services after an unsuccessful attempt to sell with a prior broker, and felt they had the reach and commitment to see this through to the finish line,” Pforte said in a news release.

“It was a pleasure working with George and Courtney, and I appreciate the efforts they put forth. I wish success to the new owners and look forward to spending more time in our real estate development business.”

Todd Jackson, regional vice president of Key Auto Group added: “We knew we wanted to expand in Florida. After the successful purchase of our General Motors dealership in Perry (Fla.) with Courtney Bernhard and George Chaconas, we quickly entered into our second purchase agreement for Bob Pforte Motors. We look forward to working with George and Courtney on more dealership acquisitions in the near future.”

In other news shared by Performance Brokerage Services, Mark Abernathy sold McKaig Chevrolet Buick in Gladewater, Texas to Bill Dickason.

The store has been renamed Bill Dickason Chevrolet Buick.