The Ladd-Hanford Auto Group, a staple of the Lebanon community for over 77 years, has officially changed hands. The family-owned dealership was purchased by Moyer Auto Group. The transaction was completed on June 14.
The sale includes the Ladd-Hanford Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram, Mazda, and Kia franchises. The complete terms of the deal were not disclosed. Moyer Auto Group paid $10.4 million for the Ladd-Hanford-owned properties at 2247 and 2499 W. Cumberland St.
Moyer Automotive Group, whose existing operations include dealerships in Leesport and Wernersville, entered the Lebanon community in 2021 with the addition of Moyer Nissan of Lebanon, formerly Maguire’s Nissan of Lebanon.
Eric Moyer, president of the expanded operation, expressed eagerness to serve the Lebanon community.
“We love the Lebanon community, so we jumped at the chance to expand there,” said Moyer. “The Ladd-Hanford dealerships were a perfect fit for our organization.”
Moyer said the dealerships shared a very similar family-oriented and pro-employee culture.
“Customers should continue to expect an exceptional experience each time they visit any of our dealerships,” said Moyer. “We retained the entire staff, so everyone that customers have come to know and love are still here.”
Gary Deibert will remain general manager of the dealerships.
Scott and Jamie Hanford, the outgoing owners, thanked the community and their employees in a Facebook post on Friday.
“We tried to run Ladd-Hanford in the image and manner of Jim Hanford and Bob Ladd — focused on family, our employees, and the community,” they wrote. “We hope we’ve lived up to their lofty standards.”
“We wish our customers, employees, and the Moyer Automotive Group all the best in the future.”
Jason Ladd, a representative of the Ladd family, also voiced support for the new ownership. His grandfather’s dream of starting a car dealership, he said, defined their family for over 80 years.
When Jim Ladd started the dealership in 1940, he was the youngest Dodge/Plymouth dealer in the country. A.L. “Jim” Hanford III became partners with Jim Ladd’s son, Bob Ladd, in 1985.
“With the passing of my father last year, it is time to say goodbye to the Ladd name on Cumberland Street,” said Ladd in a Facebook post. “My father still visited the dealership monthly until he died in October, even though he had not held ownership for many years.”
“Wishing the best to the Moyers and all of the dedicated Ladd-Hanford employees still working there.”
Customers can expect upgrades to the facilities, including a new stand-alone Mazda facility and a fully remodeled and expanded Chrysler building. Moyer said he is also expecting an increase in inventory availability.
“Working with Scott and Jamie Hanford during the transition was a wonderful experience,” said Moyer. “They wanted to ensure their staff was taken care of, and we will do just that.”
“We are thrilled to have completed the acquisition. We are excited to be able to offer even more great brands to the community.”
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