Auto dealer group M&A from NC to Nebraska

Fields Auto Group has sold two North Carolina dealerships to Memphis, Tenn.-based Dobbs Family Automotive, according to a news release from Kerrigan Advisors, which represented the sellers.

The Dobbs group has purchased Fields Mazda and Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Asheville, marketing the group’s first entry into this city.

Dobbs now owns 14 stores across Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

Fields Automotive Group has 34 stores, 31 of which are luxury stores located throughout Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington and North Carolina.

“It was an honor to once again work with the Fields family, this time on the sale of two of its Asheville dealerships,” said Erin Kerrigan, founder and managing director of Kerrigan Advisors, in a news release.

“As the top private luxury dealership group in the U.S., Fields has acquired and sold numerous dealerships over the years, including the sale of four Florida dealerships we were proud to represent: Volvo and Volkswagen in Daytona, and Land Rover and CDJR in Orlando. Kerrigan Advisors has a strong track record advising family-owned dealership groups on the sale of non-core stores as they refocus their portfolios. Dobbs Family Automotive is gaining two well-positioned dealerships in a growing market, and we wish them continued success.”

Fields Auto Group owner John Fields added, “Kerrigan Advisors has been our trusted partner on all things buy/sell for years, and every experience with their team has been exceptional.

“Their professionalism, market knowledge and disciplined sell-side process are why we continue to turn to them, and this transaction was no different. We’re grateful to the Kerrigan team for their guidance throughout and for identifying the ideal buyer for our Asheville non-luxury franchises,” Fields said.

“We know these stores are in great hands with the Dobbs family, another family-run dealership group that is committed to growing in the Southeast. This sale also lets us sharpen our focus on our luxury dealerships in the Asheville market, namely BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover.”

John Dobbs Jr. is the president of Dobbs Family Automotive. In the release, he notes: “We are excited to expand the Dobbs Family Automotive platform into Asheville and Western North Carolina. We believe in the growth of the Mazda and CDJR brands and their product lineups, and in the future of the Asheville market.

“Our family has been part of auto retail for more than 100 years, and we look forward to bringing that legacy to Asheville,” Dobbs said. “Thank you to Kerrigan’s team for shepherding a successful transaction from start to finish.”

Dealership buy-sell in Nebraska

Moving to the Heartland, Gregg Young Automotive Group has sold Gregg Young Chevrolet in Plattsmouth, Neb., to Janssen Auto Group, according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services.

The store will be renamed Janssen Kuenle Chevrolet and stay at its current location.

Gregg Young, president of the dealer group bearing his name, said in the release, “Repeat business is the strongest endorsement I can give — and there’s a reason I continue to trust Paul Kechnie and Performance Brokerage Services with my dealerships. Paul and I have completed numerous transactions together over the years, and the sale of Gregg Young Chevrolet in Plattsmouth was another success. Matt Willis and Paul Kechnie brought the experience, persistence, and personal commitment I expect when selling a store with my name on the building. They understood my priorities, protected my interests, and kept the transaction moving through the finish line.

“They earned my confidence through their actions, communication, and follow-through. Selling a dealership means trusting someone with years of hard work. Paul, Matt, and the Performance Brokerage Services team understand that responsibility — and they deliver. I’m proud of our longstanding relationship and would confidently recommend them to any dealer considering a sale.”

Dave Janssen, owner of Janssen Auto Group, added: “Working with Matt Willis and the Performance Brokerage Services Midwest & Texas team on our second acquisition reinforced why we value this relationship so highly. After purchasing Gregg Young Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Plattsmouth, we were excited to add Gregg Young Chevrolet, bringing both dealerships together under our ownership.

“Matt Willis, Paul Kechnie and Jamie Farley brought the communication, follow-through and commitment needed to get this transaction across the finish line. Matt understands our goals, builds trust between the parties, and keeps everyone moving toward a successful closing. We appreciate Matt and the entire Performance Brokerage Services team and look forward to working together on our next acquisition.”