The Presidio Group’s automotive dealership valuation expertise and insights on the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions are informed, in part, by our work with many of the country’s biggest and most influential dealership groups. These relationships give us an insider’s view of how experienced and sophisticated operators value dealerships.
Dealership buy-sell activity remained robust through the first nine months of 2026, with estimated transaction volume approaching year-ago levels and the estimated number of dealerships sold up 8% from the comparable period in 2025. Multi-store transactions and portfolio management initiatives are pushing average transaction size higher.
Based on deals reported through Sept. 30, The Presidio Group estimates approximately 290 transactions involving 395 dealerships were finalized during the first nine months of 2026.
“The pace of dealership M&A remains extremely active as we look toward closing out another strong year in 2026,” said George Karolis, president of The Presidio Group. “While we continue to operate in what is largely a sellers’ market, it’s worth noting that we are seeing an increase in the number of deals that are coming to market as dealers continue to face industry and brand-specific headwinds.”
Key third-quarter themes include:
- Portfolio management continues to feature prominently. Public dealership groups and many large and midsize private retailers are increasingly using M&A to reshape their footprints and strengthen brand mix.
- Transaction volume remains strong. While the estimated transaction count through nine months is just below 2025 levels, the number of dealerships sold is running meaningfully higher.
- Demand is robust for the most desirable brands in top markets. While acquisition activity is broad-based, buyers continue to exhibit a flight-to-quality mentality.
- A pipeline of larger deals likely will carry momentum into 2027. Several opportunities involving above-normal dealership counts and coveted assets are being discussed.
- The market still largely favors sellers. However, an increase in the supply of dealerships coming to market has begun to shift the balance ever so slightly toward buyers, in particular for challenged brands. While demand remains strong, it is worth keeping an eye on the volume of sellers entering the market as we head into 2027.
- Brand-specific hurdles are widening the gaps in buyer demand. With store performance diverging by brand, buyers are increasingly weighing automaker-dealer relations and the complexity, timing and uncertainties tied to deal approval for certain makes.