After closing on the purchase of Gaylord Ford Friday, Bill Marsh Auto temporarily shut down the dealership Saturday to transfer the business over and will reopen today (Monday) as Bill Marsh Ford of Gaylord.

Bill Marsh Auto announced plans in May to purchase the dealership. Gaylord Ford owner Gail Skerratt, who assumed ownership of the dealership last year after her husband, Jeff, suddenly fell ill and died, says she felt the sale was in the best interest of her employees, family and the community. Gaylord Ford has 24 employees and sells an average of nearly 700 vehicles yearly. Bill Marsh currently operates dealerships in Traverse City, Kalkaska and Saginaw. 

The sale had to be approved by Ford Motor Company before the transanction could be completed. The Gaylord branch's used car operation will carry the Bill Marsh Price Point brand, like the company uses in both Traverse City and Kalkaska. Also similar to those locations, the Gaylord dealership "will adopt a negotiation-free car pricing structure," according to Bill Marsh Auto. Bill Marsh will no longer carry the Lincoln brand, but will continue to service those vehicles with certified service technicians.