Spark Dealer Group expands into Central Florida

Spark Dealer Group acquired Commercial Lawn Equipment, an outdoor power equipment dealership in Lakeland, Fla., expanding its Florida footprint and increasing its nationwide network to 20 locations.

The transaction closed July 31, according to an Aug. 24 company release. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Commercial Lawn Equipment serves landscape contractors, municipalities and homeowners across Lakeland and Central Florida. The dealership sells commercial mowers, turf equipment and handheld products from Wright, Toro, Hustler, Ferris, Stihl, Echo and Shindaiwa. Spark plans to add more brands.

The Lakeland dealership will join Mowers Inc., Spark’s Florida dealership operation, according to the release. The store will remain open during the transition, with equipment sales, parts and service continuing for existing customers.

The acquisition follows Spark’s recent acquisition of Landscape Supply in Waco, Texas, in May. The company also acquired Grass Pro Shop in Tampa and Lawn Equipment Center in Naples, where it also opened a new location. The dealer group now has locations in Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, Naples, Belleview and Lakeland as it expands from Florida’s Gulf Coast into Central Florida

Spark Chief Executive Jon Salinas said the broader network will allow the company to carry more inventory, strengthen manufacturer relationships and support customers across a wider portion of the state, according to the release. Spark Dealer Group acquires and operates independent outdoor power equipment dealerships while retaining its local identities and providing operational support.