Asbury in Talks to Acquire Jim Koons – An Analysis

Asbury in Talks to Acquire Jim Koons – An Analysis

September 7, 2023 — This week, the Asbury Automotive Group filed an 8-K with the SEC, alerting the market it is talking to the Jim Koons Automotive Companies about purchasing its 21 dealerships.  (UPDATE: Asbury announced it is acquiring Koons — Read more Here.) The filing most likely was precipitated by the news leaking out… Continue Reading

Get Ready to Rumble — UAW Negotiations with the Detroit 3 Begin This Week

Get Ready to Rumble — UAW Negotiations with the Detroit 3 Begin This Week

July 10, 2023 — Dealers selling one or more of the Big Three domestic automotive brands may want to mark September 14, 2023, on their calendars.  At midnight on September 14, the current contracts between the United Auto Workers Union and Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis will expire, resulting in what likely will… Continue Reading

Cliff Banks - The Banks Report

Direct-to-Consumer Model “A Disaster Waiting to Happen” for Automakers

April 17, 2022 — A direct-to-consumer sales model appears to be a non-starter for Toyota as sales chief Bob Carter calls it “a disaster waiting to happen.” Carter provided his perspective on a wide range of topics during an on-stage interview with Jason Stein, president of Motormindz, at the NADA/J.D. Power Automotive Forum in New… Continue Reading

Cliff Banks - The Banks Report

Cars.com to Acquire Vehicle Valuation & Appraisal Company

February 8, 2022 — Cars.com announced this morning it is acquiring the assets of Accu-Trade, Galves Market Data, and MADE Logistics from founder Robert Hollenshead. Terms of the transaction, which should close within the next month, include an initial cash payment of $65 million with another expected $63 million earnout payment based on certain financial… Continue Reading

Rodo Lands Big Investors as Investment in Auto Digital Retailing Remains Hot

Rodo Lands Big Investors as Investment in Auto Digital Retailing Remains Hot

(Photo Source: Shutterstock, Photographer: Jaguar PS) July 28, 2021 — Hollywood actor and noted comedian Kevin Hart sees the upside in automotive digital retailing and has decided to ride along with a group of investors putting $18 million into Rodo, a mobile app that lets customers lease, purchase, or sell a vehicle online. Hart’s investment… Continue Reading

Layoffs at DealerSocket, Omnitracs Further Evidence Vista Equity is Preparing an IPO for Solera

Layoffs at DealerSocket, Omnitracs Further Evidence Vista Equity is Preparing an IPO for Solera

July 21, 2021 — Following a scuttled SPAC attempt earlier this year for portfolio company Solera Holdings, Vista Equity Partners now is planning for an initial public offering later this year or early next year. The original strategy called for partnering with special purpose acquisition company Apollo Growth Strategic Capital, which had raised $817 million…

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