Buy-Sell Momentum: Six Top Dealer Groups Expand Across 10 States
Tracked by Holt Automotive Staffing
U.S. Dealership Market | M&A Activity | Talent Impact
While much of this year’s dealership conversation has revolved around electric vehicle adoption, OEM program updates, and inventory shifts, another key trend is shaping the future of U.S. retail auto: consolidation.
At Holt Automotive Staffing, we’ve been tracking the most recent buy-sell activity among top 150 dealership groups. Across the past several months, six major groups - including Lithia Motors, Group 1 Automotive, and others - have completed significant acquisitions spanning 10 states.
These transactions aren’t just shifting ownership. They’re creating new opportunities for hiring, operational transformation, and long-term strategy.
Eide Automotive Group Adds Two Rooftops in North Dakota
Location: Mandan, ND
Eide Automotive Group acquired Chevrolet of Mandan and Subaru of Mandan from Foundation Automotive, continuing to build its regional presence across North Dakota and Minnesota.
This move signals confidence in stable regional markets and an immediate need to attract and retain skilled service professionals in areas where the technician supply is already stretched thin.
Tony T Automotive Group Enters the Houston Market
Location: Houston, TX
Tony T Automotive Group, led by Tony Thomas, acquired Gulfgate Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram. The deal positions the group as one of Houston’s largest African-American–owned dealership operations.
This acquisition represents more than just expansion - it reflects a broader trend of growing diversity in ownership and targeted reinvestment in metro markets where workforce demand continues to climb.
Lithia Motors Invests in Subaru Growth in California
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Lithia Motors has added a Subaru store in Elk Grove, further strengthening its already extensive presence along the West Coast.
The move reinforces Lithia’s strategy of acquiring import-brand rooftops with high fixed ops potential and recurring service revenue, while opening doors for new service and parts staff recruitment in a high-demand region.
Jim Shorkey Auto Group Grows in Pennsylvania
Location: Greensburg, PA
Jim Shorkey Auto Group expanded its Pennsylvania footprint by acquiring Toyota of Greensburg, adding a high-volume import brand to its portfolio.
Toyota dealerships continue to be desirable due to their customer retention rates and brand loyalty - but with that comes increased competition for technicians and service advisors.
Van Tuyl / Visionary Automotive Invests in Colorado
Location: Denver Metro, CO
Visionary Automotive, backed by Larry Van Tuyl, acquired Groove Toyota and Groove Subaru in two consecutive transactions.
Colorado’s import-heavy market continues to attract national interest. This move not only reflects confidence in the region but also signals ongoing competition for top-tier fixed ops talent.
#1 Cochran Automotive Group Enters Northeast Ohio
Location: Youngstown, OH
#1 Cochran Automotive Group acquired Fred Martin of Youngstown, rebranding the stores as Mercedes-Benz of Youngstown and #1 Cochran Ford Youngstown.
The acquisitions mark Cochran’s expansion into Northeast Ohio and bring new hiring activity to a market balancing both luxury and mainstream customer bases.
What It Means for Dealership Talent
Each of these acquisitions comes with short-term changes and long-term implications for dealership teams. From service managers to master techs, parts staff to service advisors, many roles are directly impacted by ownership changes.
New leadership typically brings adjustments to compensation structures, hiring strategy, and internal systems. In many cases, acquisitions trigger immediate workforce evaluations and a renewed focus on recruitment. That means increased opportunity for professionals looking to make a strategic move - and increased competition for employers aiming to retain top performers.
At Holt Automotive Staffing, we’re already supporting clients in these locations as they adjust hiring priorities and team structure in response to growth.
Final Thoughts
The broader dealership M&A landscape has started to cool from the record highs of previous years. According to industry updates, total buy-sell transactions in Q1 2025 dropped by 57% compared to the same period last year. But this isn’t a sign of retreat — strong valuations and buyer interest remain in play.
What we’re seeing is a more strategic phase of consolidation: fewer, but more calculated acquisitions that prioritize long-term brand positioning, operational efficiency, and market resilience. Dealers are taking a wait-and-see approach, holding back on listings until the economic signals become clearer - it’s a pause, not a pullback.
This shift places even greater emphasis on the performance and readiness of dealership teams. Whether you're preparing to grow your dealership or exploring your next role, Holt Automotive Staffing is here to help you move in the right direction.
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