A variety of dealer groups — including Sonic Automotive, Group 1 Automotive, the Lou Fusz Automotive Network, Barnes Crossing Auto Group and Ed Morse Automotive Group — have expanded their businesses in recent days.

We begin with this roundup with Sonic on Tuesday announcing the continued expansion of the EchoPark Automotive brand via the opening of its newest retail hub in Roseville, which is near Sacramento, Calif.

According to a news release, EchoPark Sacramento is the brand’s second location in the Golden State.

To date, EchoPark has 41 retail hubs and delivery centers across 21 states and is continuing its expansion toward a nationwide distribution network that is expected to reach 90% of the U.S. population by 2025.

“We look forward to bringing the best quality pre-owned vehicles and our world class guest experience to residents of the Sacramento area by delivering the EchoPark brand promise of Every Car, Happy Owner,” Sonic chief executive officer David Smith said in the news release. “Our EchoPark retail hubs and delivery centers allow us to serve the growing number of consumers who want to start their automotive shopping experience online but complete their purchase in-person at a dealership.

“The brand’s website EchoPark.com allows for any car to be sold to anyone, anywhere, while expansion of new locations allows EchoPark to be a trusted source for consumers to take delivery close to home,” Smith continued.

Group 1 acquires BMW/MINI franchises in UK

On Tuesday, Group 1 expanded its operations in the United Kingdom with the acquisition of a BMW/MINI dealership and a collision center in the town of Southend, which is located east of London in the county of Essex. 

According to a news release, this location is contiguous with several other existing automotive dealerships currently owned and operated by Group 1 in the U.K and increases the company’s U.K. operations to 56 dealerships and 79 franchises.

Group 1 said this acquisition is expected to generate $80 million in annual revenue.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our BMW/MINI footprint to 20 franchises in the U.K.,” Group 1’s U.K. managing director Mark Bridgland said. “Our strong relationship with BMW and our experience in this market area make this a great addition to our group of dealerships.”

Group 1 now has 205 dealerships located in the U.S. and U.K.

Indiana Hyundai & Kia stores gain new owners

Performance Brokerage Services recently announced the sale of Duell’s Evansville Kia and Duell’s Evansville Hyundai of Indiana from Doug Duell and Amish Patel.

According to a news release, the Kia dealership was acquired by Lou Fusz Automotive Network, and the Hyundai dealership was acquired by Joe Marshall and the Barnes Crossing Auto Group.

Performance Brokerage Services highlighted the Duell’s Evansville Kia and Hyundai dealerships are located in the Division Street Auto Plaza, less than half a mile from each other. The Kia dealership had been under Duell’s ownership for more than 40 years, while the Hyundai dealership was acquired by Duell in 2011.

The Kia dealership will remain at its current location at 4000 East Division Street in Evansville and has been renamed Lou Fusz Kia Evansville.

The Hyundai dealership will remain at its current location at 4400 East Division Street in Evansville and has been renamed Hyundai of Evansville.

This transaction was exclusively facilitated by Paul Kechnie and Mark Shackelford, who are the Texas and Midwest partners of Performance Brokerage Services.

The Kia dealership marks the second of its franchise for Lou Fusz Automotive Network.

The group has been serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas since 1952 and has remained family owned and operated for the past 70 years, spanning three generations of Fusz leadership.

Today, Lou Fusz Automotive Network offers 17 brands across 13 dealerships in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

Randy Fusz, president and chief executive officer of Lou Fusz Automotive Network, said, “I want to thank Performance Brokerage Services for all the hard work they put forth in the completion of our buy/sell with Duell’s Evansville Kia. Specifically, the efforts by Paul Kechnie and Mark Shackelford made the process smooth, transparent, and led to the successful transition between companies.

“As you know, there are many hurdles to overcome during a buy/sell. Manufacturer applications, asset purchase agreements, property inspections, as well as daily communication between parties are all intricate parts of a successful change of ownership,” Fusz continued. “Paul and Mark provided regular updates, necessary access, and completed requests in a manner that kept the transaction private from frontline dealership employees. Handling sensitive information is vital in a buy/sell, and they did it successfully. Lou Fusz is poised for future growth, and we look forward to working together with Performance Brokerage Services on future transactions.”

The Hyundai acquisition marks the 14th franchise dealership for Barnes Crossing Auto Group.

Established in 2010, the company was formed by the Marshall and Kilpatrick families when they partnered to acquire their first dealership in Tupelo, Miss.

The group has remained family owned and operated and has expanded into Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Indiana. Barnes Crossing currently owns the largest Hyundai and Mazda dealerships in the state of Mississippi.

Following the sale, Duell said in the news release, “I highly recommend Performance Brokerage Services. Mark Shackelford and Paul Kechnie provided us with professional advice while listing our dealerships for sale. They got us a great deal and also ensured the transaction reached a closing. It is clear they have the connections, knowledge, and experience to create a positive transaction.”

Patel echoed his partner’s sentiments, saying, “Mark Shackelford and the team at Performance Brokerage services are remarkable at what they do. Mark kept me updated on any issues as they came up and handled several obstacles professionally and in a timely manner. Mark made the process of selling two dealerships effortless. Mark is now a dear friend of mine, and I cannot wait to see what’s ahead for us in future dealings. I am a Mark’s customer for life. I would highly recommend Mark and Performance Brokerage to anyone who is considering buying or selling a dealership. You will not regret working with Mark and will also gain a true friend along the way.”

Ed Morse gets into motorcycle business

On Tuesday, the Ed Morse Automotive Group announced acquisitions but within another segment of retailing.

The company said it has acquired Cowboy Harley-Davidson’s three locations in Texas, including the Harley-Davidson retail store located at River Walk in San Antonio.

Cowboy Harley-Davidson’s locations also include Austin and Beaumont as well as another store in San Antonio.

Ed Morse Automotive Group purchased the motorcycle dealerships from Cowboy Harley-Davidson, as George Chaconas with Performance Brokerage Services facilitated the transaction.

“We are excited to add our first motorsport franchises to our growing automotive family. I have a true passion for motorcycles and am proud to continue the growth of these locations. We look forward to making significant capital improvements and supporting the communities of Austin, Beaumont and San Antonio,” said Teddy Morse, chairman and CEO of Ed Morse Automotive Group.

“The enhancements that we will bring will be beneficial to the success of the incredible employees there, but also providing our customers a world-class motorcycle-buying experience,” Morse continued in a news release.

The Ed Morse Automotive Group is headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., and has been family owned for more than 75 years.

According to the news release, these acquisitions will add nearly 140 employees to its over 1,800-employee base, and will grow Ed Morse Automotive Group to 34 dealerships, 69 franchises, 38 locations and 18 automotive and motorcycle brands.

In separate news releases, Performance Brokerage Services highlighted its recent involvement with other motorsports transactions.

Performance Brokerage Services announced the sale of Star City Motorsports of Lincoln, Neb., from Robert Kay to John Elway Powersports, and the sale of Platte River Harley-Davidson in Grand Island, Neb., from Robert Kay to Steve and Jeff Hinchcliff.

Performance Brokerage Services also announced the sale of Red Bluff Motorsports in California from Robert and Lori Carrel to Benny Brown and Paul Sutfin.