This dealership news roundup recaps stores that gained new ownership, as well as breaking ground for a fresh rooftop, with the activities happening in seven different states.

Kerrigan Advisors was involved in two of the recent actions, as the sell-side advisor represented Fresno, Calif.-based Haron Motor Sales in the sale of Haron Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo to Temecula, Calif.-based Unstoppable Auto Group, owned by Garth Blumenthal.

According to a news release from Kerrigan, Unstoppable is now comprised of nine franchised dealerships across California.

“This transaction reflects the high demand for luxury brands in the dealership buy/sell market, especially when represented by a single point in a sizeable, growing market such as Fresno,” Kerrigan Advisors founder and managing director Erin Kerrigan said in the news release.

Kerrigan highlighted Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo are favorably positioned in the current market, especially given their attractive SUV lineups: Land Rover as an exclusive SUV/truck brand and Volvo with a growing share of SUV sales.

Kerrigan pointed out Fresno has become a strong luxury new-car market, with a market share of 25%, significantly higher than California and U.S.

And since 2000, Kerrigan mentioned Fresno’s population has grown by 26% and the area now ranks the seventh largest in the state.

Haron Motor Sales co-owner Randy Haron said, “Our highest priority in this transition was to ensure that the dealership continued to provide the stellar customer service that our name has always stood for. With Unstoppable Auto Group, we found a new owner with a track record of service excellence, and we thank Kerrigan Advisors for helping us achieve this key goal.”

Kerrigan Advisors managing director Ryan Kerrigan added, “The Harons have been pillars of the downtown Fresno business community for generations. With the sale to Unstoppable Auto Group, the dealership remains in the hands of private owners who are deeply invested in the Fresno market.”

On the opposite side of the country, Kerrigan Advisors was also involved in dealerships gaining new owners, representing Charlottesville, Va.-based Jim Price Auto Group in the sale of Jim Price Hyundai and Price Kia to Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Flow Automotive, which owns dealerships across North Carolina as well as in Charlottesville.

“In spite of continuing economic uncertainties, today’s dealership buy/sell market remains robust, especially in growing population centers like Charlottesville and business-friendly states like Virginia,” Erin Kerrigan said in another news release. “This transaction, and its high valuation, demonstrate the value buyers see in leading franchises in growing markets — in this case, further bolstered by Charlottesville’s position as a single point market.

“We were so honored to work with the Price family to bring this transaction to fruition after over 50 years of hard work and investment in their community, employees and customers,” she continued.

The advisory firm highlighted Kia and Hyundai were the top performers in the 2023 Kerrigan Dealer Survey for expected valuation increases.

Meanwhile, Kerrigan noted Charlottesville is a growing, affluent market anchored by the University of Virginia, with an attractive cost of living and a highly educated workforce.

“After 55 years of doing business in this incredible community, this was a big decision for our family and could only be made with confidence if we knew we were transitioning our dealerships in a way that would serve family, employees and community alike,” said Sandra Price Amato, owner and dealer principal of Jim Price Auto Group.

Sandy Fewell, partner and chief operating officer of Jim Price Auto Group added, “I am so happy to see our Kia and Hyundai dealerships go to a buyer who has the same core values of taking care of employees and customers that Jim Price Auto Group has demonstrated for over half a century. Thank you Kerrigan Advisors for shepherding the process from beginning to a successful closing.”

McGovern Auto Group grows JLR presence

Staying on the East Coast, McGovern Auto Group recently announced the acquisition of its second Jaguar Land Rover dealership, fortifying its portfolio with premier brands and deepening its roots in the Northeast.

According to a news release from the group, Jaguar Land Rover Peabody will continue operating under its well-established name, with seasoned professional Matt Raucci remaining at the helm as general manager.

This deal represents developments on two fronts, the group’s second acquisition of a JLR store in the span of a week, as well as McGovern’s second expansion into Massachusetts’ North Shore region, following last December’s successful launch of McGovern Ford Saugus.

“By accelerating our growth momentum with the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover Peabody, we’re not only expanding our regional presence, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver best-in-class luxury automotive retail experiences,” McGovern Auto Group CEO Matt McGovern said in the news release.

“We take pride in continuing to build upon our strong foothold in the North Shore while integrating distinguished British marques like Jaguar and Land Rover into our diverse product portfolio,” McGovern went on to say.

Dealer M&A move in Utah

Turning back to the West, Performance Brokerage Services recently announced the sale of Crump Reese Motor Co. in Tremonton, Utah, from Ron Crump and Coby Reese to Casey Wheeler.

Crump Reese Motor Co., offering Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, is located 70 miles north of Salt Lake City.

According to a news release, the store will remain at 655 West Main Street in Tremonton and will be renamed Crump Reese Chevrolet GMC.

“We have known both the buyers and sellers for many years,” said Jonny Mecham, partner of the Rocky Mountain office for Performance Brokerage Services. “We first met Ron Crump and Coby Reese on the buy-side while they were hunting to add to their stores, and then helped them with the sale of their last store in Tremonton. It has been a continued pleasure to work alongside them. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

“We helped Casey Wheeler and Josh Griffin with their first acquisition several years ago and have had the honor of representing them on two more transactions since then. We look forward to seeing them grow in the industry and can’t wait to work with them again,” Mecham added.

Swickard Auto Group ventures into Hawaii

Swickard Auto Group is saying “Aloha.”

The group recently entered the Hawaiian automotive market with the acquisition of the Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Honolulu and Maui, and a modern service center in Kona, Hawaii.

Swickard’s acquisition also incorporates commercial vehicles and Sprinter of Honolulu and Maui, in addition to commercial vehicles and Sprinter at the Kona Service Center, broadening its offerings to include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter series, which is celebrated for its versatility and reliability.

Leadership said through a news release that the newly acquired Hawaii locations join Swickard Auto Group’s collection of high-performing Mercedes-Benz stores, which also span across Alaska, California, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

Swickard now has 49 franchise locations in its portfolio.

Rairdon Automotive Group acquires VW store

Rairdon Automotive Group continued its 30th year of business by acquiring its newest dealership — a Volkswagen store in Washington state.

Rairdon’s Volkswagen of Everett became the 12th dealership in the group’s portfolio via acquisition from the Pignataro family.

“Adding to our portfolio of now, 12 thriving dealerships, the Everett location represents a pivotal progression in our longstanding journey. We eagerly anticipate extending our distinctive, family-centric ethos to the Everett community and integrating them into the Rairdon Automotive Group family,” president and CEO Greg Rairdon said in a news release.

“We are grateful to the Pignataro family and for becoming a part of the Volkswagen Group family,” Rairdon added.

The group’s other stores include:

Honda of Marysville
Honda of Burien
Honda of Sumner
Maserati of Kirkland
Alfa Romeo of Kirkland
Fiat of Kirkland
Nissan of Auburn
Subaru of Auburn
Hyundai of Bellingham
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Marysville
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Monroe
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Kirkland
Rairdon’s Auto Outlet in Burien, Wash.

Earnhardt Auto Centers breaks ground on Chevrolet dealership

We wrap up this dealership news roundup with another group breaking ground on a new store.

Last week, Earnhardt Auto Centers held a ceremony to begin construction of Earnhardt Chevrolet in Queen Creek, Ariz.

According to a news release, the dealership consisting of 70,000 square feet is expected to be completed by summer at a location near the intersection of Cloud and Ellsworth Roads.

“With this new store, the Earnhardt family is proud to offer the dynamic Chevrolet brand and historic ‘No Bull’ way of doing business to Queen Creek community,” said Derby Earnhardt, dealer principal and long-time resident of Queen Creek. “We’ll bring a new car shopping experience as well as good jobs and community outreach to this incredible town.”

As a full-service store, the group highlighted Earnhardt Chevrolet in Queen Creek will feature a stylish state-of-the-art showroom with modern amenities for shoppers. A modern service department will have well-equipped service bays and a staff of accredited Chevrolet technicians. A large parts store will offer Chevrolet parts, GM accessories, and a full selection of tires along with an array of maintenance services capable of servicing virtually any make or model of vehicle.

“The Earnhardt family welcomes the many high-tech changes in the automotive industry,” Earnhardt vice president of marketing Christopher Kerr said. “The Chevrolet brand is an excellent example of automotive progress, including the electrification of many of its most popular models.”

When completed, the new Chevrolet dealership is expected to employ more than 110 people for its sales, service, parts and financing staff.

Earnhardt Auto Centers is already one of the largest employers in the Phoenix area, providing more than 2,000 jobs across the region.