Dealer News: Group 1 opens 4 Mercedes stores in UK; acquisitions in California and Wisconsin

Group 1 Automotive has increased its presence in the UK following the acquisition of four Mercedes-Benz dealerships from L&L Automotive.

The company said the showrooms are located north of London in Hertfordshire and are adjacent to several other Group 1 showrooms across the UK.

The newly acquired stores are expected to sell more than 2,800 new and used cars and generate annual revenue of $105 million, with new car sales reported as net revenue under the agency model.

“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Mercedes-Benz while growing our operations in the UK,” said Daryl Kenningham, Group 1 CEO, in a press release. “This brand is unique and our opportunity to add these showrooms to our portfolio is a very positive growth move and provides an opportunity to continue to drive profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Group 1 currently operates 206 dealerships and 42 repair centres in the US and UK. The company said it has earned $1.1 billion in revenue so far in 2024. In connection with the planned acquisition of the Inchcape UK dealership, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, Group 1 expects total acquired revenue to be approximately $3.8 billion at the time of closing.

Mass Auto Group takes over Southern California showroom

Mass Auto Group has acquired Nissan of Tustin in Tustin, California, from Tim Hutcherson, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the transaction.

The dealership was selected for the Nissan Award of Excellence, which honors employees and dealerships that consistently deliver outstanding results in sales, customer satisfaction and owner loyalty. Hutcherson was one of 48 nominees for the 2023 award. TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

Mass Auto Group, led by CEO David Massoudi, operates from five locations in Southern California, representing the Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM brands.

Wisconsin Store Sold to Link Auto & RV

Wisconsin-based dealership group Link Auto & RV has acquired South Lake Motors in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, from Aaron Resnick.

The transaction was announced by Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale.

Resnick has owned South Lake Motors for more than 30 years, which was founded by his grandparents in 1973.

Link Auto & RV is a family-owned and operated dealership group that has been serving northwest Wisconsin since 1946. It currently operates four locations in Rice Lake and Minong, Wisc. South Lake Motors will become Link Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.