BUY-SELL Q&A: Value of Buying vs. Benefit of Selling Dealerships Today

As dealers navigate a downturn in dealership profits, one thing remains abundantly clear: The buy-sell market remains remarkably active. For the first half of 2023, an estimated 270 dealerships changed hands. If the current pace continues, 2023 will turn out to be the third-most-active year for transactions and more than 50% higher than a typical year before the pandemic. What are the compelling reasons behind the continued interest in buying and selling dealerships? Pete Thiel, managing director at Haig Partners, provides insights. Thiel has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 150 dealerships and has evaluated more than 1,000 acquisition opportunities. His background includes more than 20 years at AutoNation, where he served as vice president of corporate development, leading all acquisitions and divestitures