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Elder is winner at Haire auction

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By MICHAEL SASSO

msasso@tampatrib.com

Published: August 18, 2009

TAMPA - Elder Automotive Group, the firm that owns Jaguar of Tampa, was the high bidder in a bankruptcy auction for Ernie Haire Ford on Monday.

Elder Automotive beat out two other local auto dealership groups, Crown Automotive and Parks Automotive, to win the right to buy Ernie Haire.

The winning bid was $3.5 million, which is the amount that will be divided up in the bankruptcy case.

However, the full purchase price wasn't immediately clear Monday and will be known in a few days, said Rob Elder, president of Elder Automotive.

Aside from the $3.5 million payment to the bankruptcy estate, the full price includes a large payment to one of Ernie Haire's lenders and is also based on the level of inventory, Elder said.

Elder said his family expects to operate a Ford dealership on the same site as Ernie Haire Ford and keep as many of its employees as possible.

The family is leaning toward using the name Ford of Tampa Bay, Elder said.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.

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