Talks stalling on Ripley & Fletcher dealership sale

PARIS —Talks are stalling on a deal to sell a landmark South Paris business.

Reports from officials at Ripley and Fletcher Ford dealership on Main street had suggested that ownership would be changing ownership in the near future, but recent developments indicate things may have derailed.

Grant Jones, the owner of Ripley and Fletcher Ford dealership on Main Street, has been in talks with John Emerson, owner of two dealerships in Auburn.

Jones reported in early March that he had been in contact with Emerson, who was seeking qualification from Ford to sell the maker's cars.

"I've talked to John Emerson of Emerson Chevrolet and he's gone to Ford to see if he can be a Ford dealer, but until he gets permission from Ford, we really haven't done anything," said Jones.

"It's been years and years that he's been talking about it but we've done nothing yet. It's not moving forward until Ford does something."

When contacted on Tuesday, March 22 Emerson said that he had unofficially heard back from Ford, who will be approving his application.

"I have been approved by Ford," said Emerson, before adding, "It's all been over the phone though."

On the same day however, Jones claimed that the deal was actually stalling. Ripley and Fletcher had gone as far as to sell cars on the lot at auction to make room for Emerson's, but now may be returning to buy some back.

"I talked to [Emerson] today and we're closer to not doing anything than we are to selling it," said Jones.

Jones reported that Emerson had backed down from the deal, but was not sure about his reasons.

"Now it looks like we're not going to make a deal," said Jones. "Maybe he's getting nervous."

When called, Emerson was unavailable for comment regarding the details of why he may be choosing to back out. Jones, however, said that he was happy that it looked as though he would be maintaining ownership.

Said Jones, "It's good news for me."