Deere put out a press release on this over 5 weeks ago, I stumbled across it on their website when I was trying to get some information on their Gator line.
Deere Dealers to Sell Honda Products in U.S.
I have a friend who owns an IH dealership that his father bought in 1944. At one time there were numerous other tractor dealers in town, Ford, JD, Moline, etc. and he out survived them all. He had an IH truck franchise up until the late '70's and gave that up. In addition to Case IH, he also sells Kubota, Bush Hog and Alamo mowers.
However, about 15 years ago he started diversifying away from Ag equipment and getting into the homeowner business. He carries Husky, Honda, Gravely, Polaris, Yamaha, Wells Cargo trailers and even G-3 boats. Even though he is in a fairly rural area, far more of his income is derived from sales of lawn and garden equipment that his Ag equipment.
Some forward vision on his part probably saved his business and will allow him to pass it on to his son.