The GAIN Group has added another automotive brand to its stable by acquiring Jim Pattison Volvo of Victoria.
The deal, which will be completed Oct. 1, will see GAIN operate Volvo in Victoria at its current location at the corner of Douglas Street and Hillside Avenue, at least for the time being.
Head of the GAIN Group, Peter Trzewik, said the deal has been in the works for a couple of years and represents a “nice addition to our portfolio.”
He said it will be business as usual at that location, but there will be a new building and new location for the dealership at some point.
“We will build them a new store in two or three years, similar to what we did with Audi and Porsche,” he said.
Trzewik said the current location is difficult in terms of access and also does not afford the brand an opportunity to catch the eye of passing motorists as the intersection is simply too busy. He would not divulge the proposed new location as that real estate transaction has not yet competed.
As for staffing, the intention is to hold onto the staff currently there. “Like we did with Speedway, most of those people are still with us,” he said. “In today’s labour market you need every good person that comes your way. It’s not easy to find good people right now.”
GAIN bought Speedway Motors, which had Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen vehicles, in 2011.
Trzewik said they will also be bringing Volvo customers into the GAIN fold, which is about selling a lifestyle and an experience, rather than the buying and selling of automobiles.
“The ownership of a Volvo is more than just buying a car to get from the office to the grocery store and to home,” Trzewik said.
He added that’s why GAIN has added a suite of businesses — Villa Eyrie Resort, the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, the Cowichan River Lodge, Coachwerks Restoration — that it believes are complementary to the automotive business.
“In today’s world you have to keep your eyes open, it’s no longer just the buying and selling of a car or service work,” he said. “It’s about giving people an experience.”
GAIN Group in Victoria includes Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Maserati, Mini, Porsche and Volkswagen.
