FreedomRoads Set To Acquire Earnhardt RV Centers of Arizona
The new combined company has identified Arizona as a key market for growth. It has initiated, through the acquisition of land, plans to open two new Arizona locations. In addition Camping World will open large SuperCenters at both existing Mesa and Avondale dealerships as well as at the new locations, all due to open in 2008.
CEO and President of FreedomRoads and Camping World Marcus Lemonis commented, ���This is a very important acquisition for our company both because it establishes us in a very important and fast growing market, and also because Earnhardt RV Centers are so high performing. They are the quintessential retailers in this market and have built one of the more solid business platforms we have seen to date. They will be able to meet the demands of the kind of growth we are planning in the area. Consumers in Arizona are going to have convenient access to great products and services through our dealerships and Camping World SuperCenters.���
Craig Jensen, President of FreedomRoads Dealer Group commented, ���This partnership gives our company additional footprints on the West. Our growth plan clearly shows this portion of the country as a key market. I was remarkably impressed by the talent of their key management and look forward to sharing best practices with that group.���
Bill Furano, General Manager of Earnhardt RV, who will assume the role of Regional Vice President of the Arizona market, expressed his enthusiasm about becoming part of the FreedomRoads dealer network saying, ���We are really excited about being in the RV business and joining forces with FreedomRoads and Camping World. Together we will expand the Arizona market to a whole new level.���
The brisk expansion of FreedomRoads and Camping World business is well timed to respond to growing consumer demand as the outlook for the RV and RV supplies and accessories market burgeons, topping lists of US growth industries. A recent study by the University of Michigan���s Survey Research Center found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own an RV. There are now 7.9 million households in the U.S. with a RV. This figure indicates a 58 percent rise in RV ownership since 1980. This study also anticipates similar growth in the future, thus providing the catalyst for additional Freeedom Roads and Camping World stores across the country.
About FreedomRoads
FreedomRoads is a dynamic national network of well-established local and regional RV dealerships that have united to benefit customers, employees, suppliers and the RV industry. FreedomRoads operates as a multi-store retail chain engaged in the retail sale, finance and service of recreational vehicles.
FreedomRoads is America's largest RV retailer operating in 23 states including: Arizona, Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.
FreedomRoads stocks over $350 million of new and used recreational vehicle inventory representing over 40 manufacturers. For additional information, please visit www.FreedomRoads.com, where the largest selection of recreational vehicles is available for sale.
About Camping World
Camping World Inc., headquartered in Bowling Green, KY, is America���s largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of RV and outdoor camping accessories and services. Founded in 1966, Camping World offers over 8000 quality products geared toward the RVing community, through nationwide SuperCenters, a well-established catalog call center and an award-winning Web site. Camping World is the industry leader in RV accessories and services. The company has grown from a single store in Bowling Green, KY to its current 72 SuperCenters with more than 500 service bays, in 25 states. The original 16-page black and white mail order catalog, begun in 1969, has expanded to 14 full-color issues. Today, combined circulation of catalogs and sales flyers exceed 25 million annually. The Web site, www.campingworld.com, logs 8 million visits each year.
Through Camping World's rapidly growing number of destination SuperCenters, it provides RVers with high-quality products and services to help enhance their life on the road. Expanded offerings of products and services to protect the RV lifestyle include: the President's Club customer loyalty program; in-store Resource and Performance Centers featuring RV and Car Insurance and Roadside Assistance Service; Camping World RV Institute technical certification/training program; Goodwill Ambassador program; and the new campground discount program, Camp Club USA.
For more information, visit www.freedomroads.com and www.campingworld.com