Dealership groups face OEM pressure, margin shifts, and succession decisions. Consolidation is accelerating as buyers seek scale, brand mix, and fixed ops strength. FOCUS helps owners position for premium outcomes.
Sector Experience
Market Trends
What’s driving automotive dealership M&A activity
Consolidation
Private equity and strategic buyers are rolling up automotive dealerships to gain scale, negotiating power, and operational leverage.
Labor & Cost Pressures
Rising labor costs and wage inflation are compressing margins and pushing operators toward automation and leaner staffing models.
Operational Scale
Buyers increasingly favor platforms with robust systems and proven unit economics over one-off single-location deals.
Access to Capital
Private equity dry powder remains high, keeping valuations competitive for well-run, scalable automotive platforms.
Valuation Estimate Survey
What is your business worth?
Get a confidential estimate of your company’s value based on current market conditions and industry trends. Our survey provides insight into valuation drivers and helps you understand how buyers may view your business today.
Sector Experts
Dedicated auto dealership M&A
Our team understands OEM dynamics, buyer expectations, and multi-location strategy, helping dealership owners navigate complex transactions and increase value.
Auto dealership transactions
Hear from our clients
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“FOCUS provided expertise and unwavering support throughout the transaction. Their approach and strategic insight were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the transaction. We are very happy with the successful outcome and ultimately sold to Serra Automotive because of our shared philosophy.”
Jamie Marsh
Co-Owner, Marsh Automotive
Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers
We really appreciate the FOCUS team for assisting us with finding an excellent partner to carry on the Nill family legacy. They repeatedly demonstrated sound guidance and were great partners for the family.
Shannon Nill
Owner, Guaranty RV
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“We really appreciate the FOCUS team for assisting us with finding an excellent partner to carry on the Nill family legacy.They repeatedly demonstrated sound guidance and were great partners for the family.”
Shannon Nill
Owner, Guaranty Chevrolet
Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“We’ve known the team at FOCUS for some time, as they have represented some of our best friends in the tire business with their exits. It was an easy decision to hire them when we made the decision to sell.”
Richard Howard
Owner, Bruce’s Tire
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“The FOCUS Investment Banking team was able to combine what seemed to be three very complicated deals into one rather simple transaction. Despite being close friends with the other two business owners, I’m not sure we could have pulled this off without the expertise of the FOCUS Team.”
Rob Slagle
General Manager, S&S Tire
Automotive, Collision Services
“After meeting with several investment bankers FOCUS was the obvious choice. They negotiated on our behalf and talked us through the interesting turn of events that happened along the way. If we were to sell another business, would we retain FOCUS again? Definitely!”
Fiona Maxwell
Owner Concours Collision Centres LTD
Automotive Aftermarket, Collision Services
“I chose the team at FOCUS due to their unmatched experience in leading successful collision repair transactions, deep industry knowledge, and strong relationships with potential acquirers.”
Lance LeHew
Founder, Performance Collision
Automotive Aftermarket, Collision Services
“Dave Roberts, leading our engagement for FOCUS, provided key advice and negotiating expertise that allowed us to create a win-win transaction with Kirmac Automotive Collision Systems. They enabled us to create the foundation for what is now the largest MSO in Seattle.”
Leonard Lassak
Vice President, Operations, Kirmac Automotive Collision Systems Inc.
Business Services
“FOCUS was able to secure a credit facility for Integrity with far better terms, and at a substantial savings in debt service costs. I am very pleased with the transaction and our new relationship with JP Morgan/Chase.”
Mike Coleman
Chairman and CEO of Integrity Media
Automotive, Paint Jobber
"Using FOCUS was the key factor in D’Angelo’s successful sale. Undoubtedly, FOCUS was key to getting done – and done right."
Bob D’Angelo
President and Co-Owner D’Angelos Automotive & Industrial Coatings
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“I want to thank FOCUS Investment Banking for their clear communication, tireless efforts, and calm during this consuming process.”
Chester Chrzanowski
Owner, Syrena Auto Body Inc.
Automotive Aftermarket, Collision Services
“We never would have had the success we had if it hadn’t been for FOCUS. Their advice and support was incredible.”
Mike Levasseur
President, Keenan Auto Body
Automotive, Paint Jobber
“We got multiple offers and FOCUS helped compare them, helped negotiate both value and structure and then got the deal closed. I could never have managed this on my own.”
Bob Mallon
President and CEO, Robert W. Mallon Inc.
Automotive, Paint Jobber, Collision
“I engaged with FOCUS Investment Banking based on a friend’s referral and am glad I did. I found great value in FOCUS’s services and would engage with them again.”
Daryl Flynn
CEO, Refinish Solutions
Automotive
“Using FOCUS to represent us was critical to taking conflict and uncertainty out of the process. They found the buyers and organized the bids and responses. I had complete confidence in FOCUS and believe we obtained a better outcome with them on our team.”
Hecky Heckendorf
President & CEO, Painters Supply
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Consumer, E-Commerce, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“The team at FOCUS was so helpful and ready and willing to do whatever it took to get things done throughout this transaction. s my first, and possibly my last business sale, I appreciated the way they worked with me and my team at BROTHERS to make sure we were informed and involved with all aspects of the process.”
Jim Flanders
Co-Founder, Brothers Mail Order Industries, Inc.
Auto Parts and Accessories, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Dealers, Car Washes, Collision Services, Consumer, Oil & Lube, Paint Jobber, Tire & Service
“Elie and I thought that the FOCUS team was outstanding throughout this process. We are fortunate to have worked with a professional team of bankers with unmatched expertise in the automotive aftermarket. They did an excellent job preparing and communicating with us throughout the sale process. The FOCUS team quickly identified Kian as an ideal buyer for T Sportline and we are excited about what we can accomplish over the next few years.”
Jon Pek
Co-Founder
FOCUS Insights
Services Overview
Expert guidance for every transaction
Merger & Acquisitions
We advise on sell-side and buy-side transactions, guiding clients through every stage of the M&A process. From positioning to closing, we drive competitive outcomes while aligning with your strategic and personal objectives.
Learn More Capital Advisory
We structure and raise both debt and equity capital to support growth, acquisitions, and liquidity. Our approach aligns financing solutions with your strategy, providing flexibility and access to the right partners.
Learn More Sale Preparation
We help owners prepare for a successful exit by strengthening financials, refining positioning, and addressing potential diligence issues. Our approach enhances value, reduces risk, and positions your business for a successful process.
Learn MoreFrequently asked questions
Brand mix, fixed ops profitability, and scale are key drivers. Buyers also evaluate OEM relationships, margins, and multi-location performance when determining value.
The best time is when performance is strong and buyer demand is active. Market conditions, OEM dynamics, and succession planning also influence timing.
Buyers include large dealership groups, public consolidators, and private equity-backed platforms seeking scale and geographic expansion.
Fixed ops is critical as it provides stable, high-margin income. Strong service and parts performance can significantly increase valuation.
About FOCUS
Your strategic advisor from growth to exit
FOCUS delivers tailored M&A, capital raising and tax advisory services to founder-led businesses and SMEs. With deep industry expertise and global reach, we help clients navigate complexity and achieve successful outcomes.