Beck Automotive continues growth

Beck Automotive continues to grow and expand with the purchase of St. Johns Chevrolet in Palatka. Included in the deal is the Chevrolet dealership in Starke. The companies will operate as Beck Chevrolet and Beck Chevrolet of Starke, respectively.

"This is just the next step in our expansion plan and we’re excited about the opportunity," Breck Sloan, CEO of Beck Automotive said in a prepared statement.

Beck Automotive started in 1986 in Palatka with the Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge franchise. Today it holds multiple dealerships, including Beck Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Beck Nissan and Beck Fleet and Commercial Division as well as Beck Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Starke. Other businesses include the Beck Wholesale Parts Distribution Center.

The combined company will control eight locations with 200,000 square feet of retail space. It will employ more than 300, the company said.

Beck calls the combined business the largest privately held automotive group of dealerships in Northeast Florida, representing brands Buick, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Pontiac and Nissan.