TORONTO, Ont. — Harper Group has merged its truck dealerships under the new name Harper Truck Centres. The merger is scheduled to be completed by May 1.

Both Harper Ontario Truck Centres and Harper Freightliner will operate their six locations under the new name.

“This new name will establish the Harper dealerships with a common name while providing distinct world class truck sales, service and parts for the Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Condor brands,” Harper officials said.

“By merging these two organizations we will be in a greater position to better service our customers through a common company,” said Paul Harper, co-owner of the Harper Group.

The dealerships will merge in a manner that will not interrupt with their ability to effectively service customers, officials said. All aspects of the truck sales and commercial operations will remain entirely separate and focused on the individual brands.

Harper Group has also announced John Nelligan as dealer principal and shareholder of Harper Truck Centres. The Harper dealership business has grown substantially under Nelligan’s tenure through the addition of two locations in Oshawa and Milton and also adding the Western Star and Condor franchise to all three former Harper Ontario Truck Centres locations.

“The Harper Group has always shown a strong commitment to the industry and I am proud to be a part of this new chapter with the organization,” said Nelligan. With the expansion of his duties, he will now oversee all six Harper Truck Centres dealership operations.