Spark Dealer Group to Acquire DeWinne Equipment Co.

September 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Spark OPE Ventures to Acquire DeWinne Equipment Co., Extending Its Reach Across Texas


Longstanding San Antonio outdoor power equipment dealer to join the Spark platform; transaction expected to close in late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2026


SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 11, 2026 — Spark OPE Ventures, operating as Spark Dealer Group (“Spark”), a long-term owner and operator of outdoor power equipment dealerships, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DeWinne Equipment Co. (“DeWinne”), a leading outdoor power equipment dealer serving San Antonio and the surrounding South Texas market.


The transaction is expected to close in late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.


For 34 years, DeWinne has served homeowners, landscape professionals, municipalities, and commercial customers across the region. The business is distinguished by its commitment to long-term quality service, an honest and personal sales approach, extensive industry knowledge, and deep relationships across the region and the industry, the kind of durable, hard-earned position that is difficult to replicate.


“Ernie and the DeWinne team have built something durable here,” said Jonathan Salinas, Chief Executive Officer of Spark OPE Ventures. “San Antonio is a high-quality and growing market, and DeWinne is exactly the kind of business we want to build around. We plan to expand its reach, add product lines to better serve its customer base, and build on the relationships and sales approach Ernie has developed over more than three decades.”


The acquisition extends Spark’s presence across Texas and brings the company closer to the Houston region, one of the largest outdoor power equipment markets in the country. DeWinne is expected to play an important role in Spark’s South Texas operations and future expansion across the region.


“As my wife, Debbie, and I planned for the future of the business, our highest priority was preserving the core values that got us here,” said Ernie DeWinne, Founder of DeWinne Equipment Co. “We built this company on trust, reliability, and putting our customers first. Partnering with Spark allows us to protect that legacy, care for our long-time team, and continue providing the high-quality service our community has depended on for decades.”


Following close, the business will continue to operate from its existing location, and Ernie DeWinne will join the Spark team as Regional Director of Outside Sales for South Texas, covering San Antonio, Houston, and parts of the Hill Country.


Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.



About Spark Dealer Group

Spark OPE Ventures operates over 20 outdoor power equipment dealership locations across the U.S., working to improve service capacity, parts availability, and product selection for homeowners, landscape professionals, and commercial turf customers. Spark is backed by permanent capital and partners with dealer owners seeking continuity for their employees, customers, and communities, acquiring businesses with the intention of holding them indefinitely.


About DeWinne Equipment Co.

DeWinne Equipment Co. is an outdoor power equipment dealer serving San Antonio and South Texas. Founded in 1992, the company carries and services Gravely, Hustler, Cub Cadet, Grasshopper, Ventrac, Exmark, Wright and serves homeowners, landscape professionals, commercial customers, and municipal accounts across the region.


Media Contact

Cody Armstrong
President
Spark Dealer Group
cody@sparkpowerequipment.com



October 19, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Spark Dealer Group to acquire Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power, expanding into Louisiana Gautreaux’s owner Shane Gautreaux to lead regional expansion across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 19, 2026 — Spark Dealer Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power, a family-owned outdoor power equipment dealership with locations in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Louisiana. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms were not disclosed. Shane Gautreaux, president of Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power, will join Spark to lead its Greater Louisiana region, overseeing operations and supporting the acquisition and development of additional dealerships across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The acquisition marks Spark's entry into Louisiana and establishes a base for further expansion across the Gulf South. Spark currently operates 23 locations across Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Georgia. Gautreaux’s serves residential and commercial customers with outdoor power equipment sales, parts and service. The dealership carries brands including Hustler Turf, Scag, Gravely, Echo, RedMax, Shindaiwa and DeWalt. Gautreaux’s is Louisiana’s largest dealer of Hustler Turf and Scag equipment. “As we thought about the future of our business, it became clear that Spark was where our family belonged. Their commitment to us went well beyond the balance sheet. We’re excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to grow our presence across this territory,” said Shane Gautreaux, president of Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power. "Shane and his family have built one of the strongest outdoor power equipment dealerships in the region through hard work, exceptional service and a commitment to doing things right," said Jon Salinas, CEO of Spark Dealer Group. "Shane understands what it takes to build a successful business, but just as importantly, he knows how to lead people. We're fortunate to welcome Shane, Janna, Gant and Jenna, along with the entire Gautreaux's team, to Spark." Gautreaux’s will continue operating under its existing name, maintaining the local relationships and customer service that have defined the business for more than two decades. “Louisiana is an important market for Spark, and Gautreaux's gives us a strong foundation to build on,” said Cody Armstrong, president of Spark Dealer Group. “Shane knows this industry, understands what it takes to operate a successful dealership and has the relationships to help us grow across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Having him lead that effort puts us in a strong position for what's ahead.” About Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power Founded in 2004 by Shane and Janna Gautreaux, Gautreaux’s Outdoor Power is a family-owned outdoor power equipment dealership serving residential and commercial customers across Louisiana. The company opened its first location in Gonzales and expanded to Baton Rouge in 2019. Their children, Gant and Jenna Gautreaux, joined the family business full time after graduating from college. Guided by its commitment to making equipment sales and service easy for customers, Gautreaux’s offers outdoor power equipment, parts, service and financing. The company operates locations at 12519 Airline Highway in Baton Rouge and 39285 Louisiana Highway 74 in Gonzales. For more information, visit gautreauxsoutdoorpower.com. About Spark Dealer Group Spark Dealer Group is a long-term owner and operator of outdoor power equipment dealerships serving professional landscapers, commercial customers and homeowners. The company operates 23 locations across Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Georgia, with a focus on preserving the local relationships, service and expertise that have made its dealerships successful. For more information, visit www.sparkdealers.com. Media Contact Cody Armstrong President Spark Dealer Group cody@sparkpowerequipment.com
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