In a major shift for the Southwest Florida automotive market, Orlando-based dealer Bill Nero has acquired Galeana Kia and Galeana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fort Myers. The transaction, valued at approximately $145 million, marks the end of the Galeana family’s 44-year presence in the region.
The deal, which closed on September 22, includes $33.74 million for the real estate on Tamiami Trail. Bill Nero Automotive Group, which owns three dealerships in the Orlando area, has already begun operations.
Under the new ownership, the dealerships will be rebranded as Kia of Fort Myers and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fort Myers. Nero explained the straightforward names are by design, intended to better capture search engine optimization in the digital marketplace.
Leading the new Fort Myers operations will be two managing partners from Nero’s Orlando team: Jacob McNeely, who will head the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership, and Eric Matos, who will lead the Kia store.
Nero cited the strength of the local market as the primary driver for the acquisition. “We were looking for special markets,” Nero said. “The Southwest Florida region is coming in right at the top. That put this area at the top of the radar.”
Alan Haig, president of Haig Partners which managed the sale, echoed this sentiment, calling Fort Myers a “prized market” with high potential for volume and profit.
While bringing “fresh energy and new ideas,” the new ownership group will continue with planned renovations, including adding air conditioning to the service bays to improve the work environment for employees. Furthermore, a major remodel of the Kia dealership, already planned by the Galeanas, is scheduled for 2026.
Nero, a veteran of the automotive industry since the 1980s, confirmed he will be a hands-on owner, supported by his new managing partners and his son, Austin Nero.
