In January 2019, The Ed Morse Automotive Group purchased seven Dallas-market franchises and was impressed with its acquired workforce, said Ed Morse Automotive Group chairman and chief executive officer Teddy Morse.

Morse said his company was also impressed with the franchises’ “local passion for cars and how warmly we were welcomed to the community.

“It was obvious to our leadership team that we wanted to expand and grow our footprint in this region,” Morse said in a news release.

Ed Morse Automotive Group made that happen on Wednesday. The company entered into an agreement to acquire three dealerships and a truck and 4×4 accessory store in Sherman and Whitesboro, Texas and Durant, Okla.

Ed Morse purchased the dealerships from Hoyte Auto Group.

The acquisitions are:

— Freedom Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM North by Ed Morse, located at 2300 Highway 75 North in Sherman, Texas

— Red River Truck and 4×4, a truck accessory store at 2407 N. Travis Street in Sherman, Texas

— Freedom Ram Trucks by Ed Morse, at 65 Riley Road in Whitesboro, Texas

— Freedom Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat by Ed Morse, at 2516 W. University Blvd in Durant, Okla.

“We jumped at the chance to continue this growth in outstanding communities like Sherman, Whitesboro and Durant,” Morse said.

The Ed Morse Automotive Group, headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., has been family owned for more than 70 years. This acquisition will add more than 130 employees to its 1,100-plus employee base. The acquisition grows its locations to 20 dealerships, 33 franchises and 14 automotive brands.

“We are looking not only to continue these dealerships’ history of great deals and outstanding customer service, but to make significant capital improvements,” Morse said.

Morse continued, “We also look forward to supporting the local community with job growth and giving back to local non-profits.”