Car-Mart stays in acquisition mode with moves in Tennessee
On Wednesday, America’s Car-Mart announced its second dealership acquisition in roughly the past 60 days.
At the beginning of October, this year’s Independent Dealer of the Year acquired a store in Oklahoma. And now, Car-Mart announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the ongoing dealership assets of Smart Auto Inc., which include Smart Auto Johnson City and Bright Motors Co.
As a result, the buy-here, pay-here dealership company will gain Tennessee locations in Johnson City and Knoxville.
According to a news release, the existing finance receivables will be excluded from the transaction and will be collected by the seller.
Car-Mart expects to close on the Johnson City location by the end of the and the Knoxville location by close of 2022.
“We are very excited to welcome Smart Auto into the Car-Mart family,” Car-Mart president and chief executive officer Jeff Williams said. “Smart Auto brings a highly experienced and talented team of associates while also helping to create a stronger presence and expanding our footprint in Tennessee. We are excited for the opportunities to grow our customers in this market.”
“Smart Auto, owned by Vincent Keller, has been in business since 2005 and their values align perfectly with ours. We are looking forward to getting to know their customers and help to keep them on the road,” Williams added. “The Smart Auto team is professional, capable and focuses on providing quality, affordable vehicles to their customers. Smart Auto will be a fantastic addition to our business and will help us build a better future for the company, our associates and our customers.”