Auto group buys 11 dealerships - in one town

PUNTA GORDA — One of the largest auto dealers in Florida, Bradenton-based Gettel Automotive Group, acquired 11 dealerships from the Palm Automotive Group, which operates an auto mall on South Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda.

Terms of the acquisition weren't disclosed.

The 11 brands Gettel acquired include: Toyota, Hyundai, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Buick-GMC, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mazda and Mitsubishi.

Gettel Toyota of Lakewood GM Bill Finocchiaro will oversee the transition in Punta Gorda, according to a release. “We are excited to be a part of the Punta Gorda community and working with all of the former Palm associates,” says Finocchiaro.

With the acquisition Gettel now has 22 dealerships in Florida. The Gettel brand has been in the Sarasota-Bradenton market since 1991. The company had $615.31 million in revenue in 2015, up 10.7% from $556.06 million in 2014. It has more than 1,100 employees, including the staff from the new Punta Gorda locations.