Fast-growing Sarasota auto biz motors top 10 list

SARASOTA — Dealers United, a fast-growing group-buying business for the auto industry, was named one of the 10 most interesting and innovative companies of 2013 by a prominent industry website.

Dealerelite.net, a social network for the auto industry, compiled the list, which includes Autotrader.com, one of the largest auto sales websites in the country. Sarasota-based Dealers United has more than 5,700 auto dealerships in its network. The firm, says the dealerelite.net list, leverages its buying power to provide better prices, terms and conditions on products for all its dealers. Dealers United also recently launched a marketplace feature on its website, which sells everything from license plate frames to lights.

Sarasota entrepreneur and real estate investor Jesse Biter and Sarasota Ford executive Matt Buchanan founded Dealers United in late 2011. The company now has more than 20 employees.