Our analysis of yesterday’s stunning announcement from Warren Buffett that he is acquiring the Van Tuyl Group: Welcome to the Industry, Mr. Buffett. I’ve had several conversations and have read numerous blogs that speculate Buffett will usher in a new world for automotive retail — improving the shopping and buying processes both online and offline. Some of… Continue Reading
Despite our earlier report this morning that a manufacturer may have been trying to block part of the deal, the Lithia Motors’ acquisition of the DCH Automotive Group was just signed this afternoon and includes all of DCH’s 27 dealerships. The purchase closely follows what Lithia laid out in its investor presentation in mid-June. The Medford, OR-based…
September 29, 2014 — The Sonic Automotive Group’s stock price has jumped $2 today from just over $23 to more than $25 today. The stock has been hovering below the mid-$20’s for most of the year after hitting its 52 week high of $27.87 in July. Meanwhile, shares of the other public dealer groups have…
September 15, 2014 — In the words of Kenny Rogers — “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em; know when to fold ’em; know when to walk away; know when to run.” And Group 1 Automotive’s Chairman and CEO Earl Hesterberg is showing he’s not afraid to follow that advice and cut his losses.…
September 11, 2014 — The Sonic Automotive Group is acquiring Hunt Nissan in Chattanooga to add to its BMW and Honda dealerships in that market, according to a Chattanooga newspaper story. Hunt Nissan is owned by Ken Hunt, who came to Chattanooga in 2002 when he acquired the Nissan store from the Penske (United at the… Continue Reading
UPDATED: AutoNation just sent a press release announcing the acquisition of Barrier Motors, which we reported earlier this morning. Industry sources are telling us that a sale of Barrier Motors Group in Bellevue, WA is imminent and that the likely buyer is a public dealer group. Based on the rumors, the market and the brands, it’s…
Sonic Automotive is announcing more details today of its pre-owned strategy, which will include a national chain of used-car only stores. The initiative’s name will be EchoPark and will be launched in Denver in October. Ultimately, Sonic plans to be in approximately 50 markets, employing a hub-type model, each with a main store that will…
The dealership buy-sell market remained hot in July with 27 confirmed acquisition bringing the total for 2014 to 151 rooftops and 225 brands changing hands. In 2013, 110 dealerships changed owners through July. To download an Excel file of this year’s acquisitions click TBR_July_Buy_Sell_Excel. Chevrolet held onto its lead for the year with 16 acquisitions.…
OVERVIEW Through the first six months of 2014, 125 dealerships changed ownership, up from 89 through the same period in 2013 according to data compiled by The Banks Report. Eighty-three different buyers accounted for the 125 acquisitions. Note: The 125 does not include the 27 stores Lithia Motors will gain when it closes on its…
There have been 89 dealership acquisitions through the first five months of 2014 – up from 71 through the same period in 2013, according to data compiled by The Banks Report. Even though the number was up through May, the pace for the year was relatively flat – although, still brisk. Last year, there were 202…