Equipment OEMs generally don't like to be in the dealer business.

Though some love aspects of being in control, it's not their core competency and having a bunch more equipment on the books, or even symbolically, is counterintuitive. Does anyone remember the sustained success of the Case Power & Equipment dealers? 

No? There's a reason.

OEMs usually step in when there's a dispute among ownership, snags in a complicated sales process, or when the dealership is sucking wind.

Most of the time, the issue never confirmed. Still, it's news.

Caterpillar has entered into an agreement to buy Fabick Cat, its dealer in Wisconsin, parts of Ilinois and Missouri, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Some fine corporate-speak from the press release: The agreement reflects a customer-focused decision to support a seamless transition of Fabick ownership while maintaining the strong service and local support customers know and value today.

"Transition of Fabick ownership" is the key phrase. Fabick is a family-owned dealership, at least partially, as the dealer principal's name is Jere Fabick. My guess is there's a dispute among ownership. 

Cat dealers don't suck wind, especially a dealership like Fabick with a 100-year history and 37 locations.

The release includes a quote from the Big Cat himself, CEO and chairman Joe Creed.

“Caterpillar and Cat dealers share a common mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges,” Creed said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Fabick team to build on a century of success, further strengthen the customer experience, and drive long-term growth across the service territory.”  

The deal is expected to have regulatory approval and close within 30 days. We'll keep you updated if there are updates to be had.