Forest City Mazda Welcomes New Owners
Columbus, OH – The Tim Lamb Group has facilitated the sale of Forest City Mazda to Leavens Automotive Group, marking a clear next chapter for the dealership and its customers. The transaction was led by Gordie Gerbrandt, Vice President of Canada for the Tim Lamb Group, whose work helped guide the deal from first conversation to closing.
How Tim Lamb Group Brought the Deal Together
Gerbrandt worked side by side with both sides of the table: the seller, Mark Leoppky of FFun Automotive Group, and the buyer, Chris Leavens of Leavens Automotive Group. By keeping communication straightforward and steady—and by leaning on a deep understanding of the dealership market—he helped both parties find common ground. The result was a clean, well-coordinated acquisition with clear next steps for everyone involved.
Why the Sale Works for Both Parties
The Forest City Mazda sale fits each company’s priorities. For FFun Automotive Group, it sharpens their focus on their 24 remaining stores across Western Canada, allowing their team to streamline operations where they’re already heavily invested. For Leavens Automotive Group, the acquisition strengthens their presence in London, Ontario. It broadens their lineup and lets them serve local drivers with a team that knows the community and the brand.
Leavens Automotive Group’s Next Step in London, Ontario
Leavens Automotive Group has been part of the region since 1958. Based in London, Ontario, they own several dealerships, including Leavens Volkswagen and Leavens Volvo Cars London. With the addition of Leavens Forest City Mazda, their trained staff will continue to support customers through the full ownership cycle—shopping, purchasing, and maintenance—with the level of care the group is known for. The move builds on what they already do well while giving Mazda customers a familiar, local home.
Shared Commitment to Community
Both leaders emphasized the importance of community involvement. Seller Mark Leoppky wanted to pass the keys to an operator that shares his values and cares about outreach. Buyer Chris Leavens shares that view, making the fit feel natural. That shared commitment to the local community helped make the transition smoother and set the tone for the relationship going forward.
What This Says About Tim Lamb Group
Buyer Chris Leavens credited Gerbrandt’s role in finding and shaping the opportunity, saying, "Gordie found us an opportunity no one else could in our local market. He was attentive to our position and assisted throughout the process." The successful handoff of Forest City Mazda to Leavens Automotive Group highlights the Tim Lamb Group’s track record in dealership sales and acquisitions—and their ability to connect the right buyer and seller at the right time.
About Tim Lamb Group
Founded in 2006, Tim Lamb Group focuses on helping dealers across North America buy and sell vehicle dealerships. Their team of regional directors manages substantial transaction volumes each year. Over time, they’ve grown into the largest firm on the continent specializing exclusively in dealership sales and acquisitions, pairing industry experience with practical deal execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed with Forest City Mazda?
Forest City Mazda was acquired by Leavens Automotive Group and now operates as Leavens Forest City Mazda.
Who managed the transaction?
The deal was facilitated by the Tim Lamb Group, with Vice President of Canada, Gordie Gerbrandt, leading the process.
Why does this sale make sense for FFun Automotive Group?
It lets FFun Automotive Group focus on running their 24 remaining dealerships in Western Canada and streamline their operations.
What dealerships are part of Leavens Automotive Group?
Leavens Automotive Group owns several stores in London, Ontario, including Leavens Volkswagen, Leavens Volvo Cars London, and now Leavens Forest City Mazda.
How long has Tim Lamb Group been active in dealership sales?
Since 2006, Tim Lamb Group has specialized in buying and selling vehicle dealerships across North America, building a leading presence in the market.
