FreedomRoads Acquires Venture Out RV

CHICAGO--FreedomRoads, LLC, the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer, today announced that it has acquired Venture Out RV in Bakersfield, California adding to the fast growing retailer’s strong presence in the market.

This area of California is an important market for the company. FreedomRoads operates several dealerships in the area including Stier’s RV Centers in Bakersfield, Stier’s RV Center of Ventura, Stier’s RV Center of Valencia, Stier’s Camperland, as well as a stand alone Stier’s RV Collision Center in Bakersfield. The dealership is co-located with a Camping World, which itself has a strong presence in the state with ten stores and plans to open an eleventh store in Ventura. The new Camping World in La Mirada, Camping World RV Sales, also carries RV’s in addition to its normal line of 8,000 outdoor and RV accessory products.

Venture Out RV General Manager Bruce Harrigan said, “Being part of the FreedomRoads Dealer Network will allow us have the resources to bring RV consumers greater choice, a wide variety of financing, membership, insurance and other programs that we could not offer before. This will make Venture Out RV more attractive to those who are looking not only for great RV’s, but also value added products and services.”

Chairman and CEO of FreedomRoads and Camping World Marcus Lemonis commented, “The addition of Venture Out RV is another important step toward our dominance of this critically important and growing market. With all of the dealerships and Camping World stores we are brining the RV consumer unprecedented choice and convenience. This area is an RV shopping destination and our company is strengthening the appeal that much more with our continued growth here.”

The brisk expansion of FreedomRoads and Camping World business is well timed to respond to growing consumer demand as the outlook for the RV and RV supplies and accessories market burgeons, topping lists of US growth industries. A recent study by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own an RV. There are now 7.9 million households in the U.S. with a RV. This figure indicates a 58 percent rise in RV ownership since 1980. This study also anticipates similar growth in the future, thus providing the catalyst for additional FreeedomRoads and Camping World stores across the country.

About Camping World/FreedomRoads

Founded in 1966, Camping World Inc., is America's largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of RV and outdoor camping accessories, services and RV sales. Over 8,000 quality products are available through nationwide SuperCenters, a well-established catalog call center and an award-winning Web site. The company has grown from a single store in Bowling Green, KY to more than 75 SuperCenters with more than 500 service bays, in 25 states and plans to reach the 100 mark by 2008. Select stores also retail a wide range of RV's through its Camping World RV Sales Brand. Product offerings will feature top manufacturers as well as private label vehicles.

Camping World also provides expanded products and services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle including: the President's Club customer loyalty program; in-store Resource and Performance Centers featuring RV and Car Insurance and Roadside Assistance Service; Camping World RV Institute technical certification/training program; Goodwill Ambassador program; and the new campground discount program, Camp Club USA.

FreedomRoads is a dynamic national network of well-established local and regional RV dealerships that have united to benefit customers, employees, suppliers and the RV industry. FreedomRoads operates as a multi-store retail chain engaged in the retail sale, finance and service of recreational vehicles.

FreedomRoads is America's largest RV retailer operating nearly 60 locations in 23 states including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.

FreedomRoads stocks over $350 million of new and used recreational vehicle inventory representing over 40 manufacturers.

For more information, visit us online at www.FreedomRoads.com or www.campingworld.com