If you own a body shop in the Northeast, the number of companies that could buy it has grown fast. Private equity–backed collision groups are now buying single shops and two- to five-store operators across New England, not only large chains. Here is who is active, what they have bought, and what that means for you.
The most active buyer in the Northeast is VIVE Collision, a Northeast group backed by Greenbriar Equity Group. A newer Massachusetts-based platform, Authentic Auto Body, is backed by Envest Private Equity. The national consolidators (Caliber, Crash Champions, Gerber) are expanding around the state, and several newer PE-backed groups are building Northeast platforms one shop at a time.
| Buyer | Backing | Recent New England activity |
| VIVE Collision | Greenbriar Equity Group (growth recapitalization, Nov 2023) | Six Massachusetts locations by early 2025, including the former Carsmetics of Worcester. In the first half of 2026 it added shops in Connecticut and Vermont and passed 75 locations across 10 states. |
| Authentic Auto Body | Envest Private Equity (platform investment, Aug 2024) | Holliston-based; acquired APC Auto Body in Dartmouth in September 2025 as its first add-on. |
| Caliber Collision | Private equity (Hellman & Friedman majority) | Bought Key Collision’s 10 shops in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont in August 2026, its first locations in those states. |
| Crash Champions | Clearlake Capital | Entered Connecticut in December 2022 and has added shops there since. |
| Gerber Collision & Glass | Boyd Group (publicly traded) | Closed its $1.3 billion purchase of Joe Hudson’s Collision Centers in January 2026. |
| New PE-backed platforms | Various | Industry reporting names Minuteman and Driving Force among new Northeast entrants building from single shops and small groups. |
Two things. First, buyers moved north: Caliber’s Key Collision deal put the largest U.S. consolidator next door to Northeast for the first time. Second, buyer behavior shifted. Industry mid-year reporting found fewer acquisitions but more buyers, with new platforms building “one single shop or small MSO at a time.” For a Northeast owner, that means your shop is now a target size, not just a tuck-in.
More buyers is good news, but only if they compete. One unsolicited offer tells you what one buyer wants to pay. Before you respond, read [A consolidator called. What to do before you respond] (link to Blog 3) and get a confidential view of how several buyers would see your business.
FOCUS Investment Banking’s automotive team has represented collision owners in sales to Caliber, Classic Collision, Crash Champions, Gerber and Quality Collision Group. Request a confidential conversation with our team.
VIVE Collision and Envest-backed Authentic Auto Body are the most active buyers inside the state. Caliber, Crash Champions and Gerber are expanding across New England, and several newer private equity–backed groups are building Northeast platforms.
Yes. In 2026 many buyers are building platforms one shop at a time, so well-run single shops and small groups are in demand.
It depends on the buyer. VIVE typically keeps the local name with a “Powered by VIVE” tag. National consolidators usually rebrand.
Michael LeVasseur
Senior Advisor
Senior Advisor
Whether you’re exploring a sale, raising capital, or simply want an outside perspective on where your business stands, our bankers are ready to listen. Reach out to start a confidential conversation with the FOCUS team.
