In Episode 58 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down in Atlanta with Presidio Group President George Karolis for a deep-dive into one of the hottest dealership M&A markets we’ve ever seen. With 16 transactions closed in the first 10 months of 2025, The Presidio Group has a front-row seat to the momentum, the deals, and the shifting strategies shaping automotive retail.
George breaks down why the second half of 2025 surged, which brands and geographies are most in demand, how sophisticated groups are reshaping their portfolios, and why “relational, not transactional” is the mindset defining industry leaders.
You’ll also hear insights on:
⚡ Rising dealership profitability and the new post-COVID baseline
⚡ Landmark deals involving AutoNation, Group 1, Lithia, and Sewell
⚡ The continued dominance of Toyota, Lexus, and top luxury brands
⚡ The importance of real-world dealer sentiment across 3,000+ rooftops
⚡ How valuation models are evolving with volatility in earnings
⚡ The outlook for 2026—and why the pipeline is already overflowing