Merchants Automotive Group’s Robert and Gary Singer Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2011 New England Award Semifinalists

HOOKSETT, N.H., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Merchants Automotive Group announces that Senior Vice President & Principal Robert Singer and Chairman of the Board & Principal Gary Singer are Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2011 New England Award semifinalists. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Robert and Gary were selected as semifinalists from nearly 60 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on 15 June 2011 at the Boston Renaissance Waterfront Hotel.

Robert Singer remarks, "Gary and I are honored to be nominated for this esteemed award amongst the entire group of prestigious semifinalists. Our company's primary focus is Merchants Leasing, and also includes a retail automotive dealership as well as other related automotive and real estate entities. We are proud to say the same entrepreneurial, family, customer and community focused values that contributed to the company's success are embedded in our culture and are evident in daily operations. We encourage our employees to be active in the community. Our family's philanthropic teachings were the foundation for the formation of the Singer Family Community Service Team, which supports the community through financial donations and volunteer work."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities and more than 50 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Award. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 12, 2011. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies, which will be held November 9–13, 2011.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as a national sponsor.

In New England sponsors include Boston Magazine, J. Robert Scott, Marsh, Nixon Peabody LLP, RR Donnelley, and Regan Communications Group.

About Merchants Automotive Group

Merchants Automotive Group was founded in 1962 by Irving Singer and is headquartered in Hooksett, NH. The company's primary focus is Merchants Leasing which provides customers nationwide a total fleet solution, which includes its unique No Risk Closed-End Lease option. Other comprehensive services include insurance and maintenance programs, fuel cards to manage mileage and gasoline expenses, roadside assistance, accident and risk management, telematics, local and nationwide delivery, and expert fleet management and administration. Merchants Leasing is part of Merchants Automotive Group, Inc. which includes Merchants Auto, Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts. For more information about Merchants Leasing and Merchants Automotive Group please, visit the company's websites at www.merchantsleasing.com and www.merchantsauto.com.

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.

About the Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 141,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited operating in the US. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

Contact:  Jessica V. Heizer, +1-603-606-4514, [email protected]

SOURCE Merchants Automotive Group