Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg is ready to add cars to his wide portfolio of businesses, having teamed up with longtime Chevy dealer Jay Feldman in order to buy a Chevrolet dealership in Columbus, Ohio.
According to Automotive News, Wahlberg and Feldman bought Bobby Layman Chevrolet, and immediately renamed it Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet. The terms of the transaction however remain unknown.
“It was a dealership that came up that had a great facility, that had a great reputation,” said Feldman. “It’s in Ohio, where Mark and, of course, myself are invested in another business.”
Apparently, Wahlberg and Feldman were looking to buy a car dealership together since early last year and Feldman stated that they learned about this recent opportunity from Tim Lamb Group, an advisory firm.
The dealership measures 70,000-square feet and sits on 15.5 acres. It has a two-story showroom and as many as 50 service stalls. Right now, there are about 100 employees, which will reportedly be retained, although the dealership will look to hire more sales reps and service technicians in the future.
“I am continuously looking for ways to innovate my brand and engage in businesses I am passionate about,” said Wahlberg in a statement. “i love cars, and the chance to work with an experienced, proven dealer-operator like Jay and represent an iconic brand like Chevrolet inspired me to get involved.”
Wahlberg apparently will be an active participant within the business.
“It’s not a naming rights deal. We’re partners,” said Feldman. “Mark is very involved in his businesses, whether it’s AQUAhydrate or Performance Inspired. I mean, he is like the ultimate entrepreneur and a workaholic. He plans on being [at the dealership] on a regular basis.”