Dave Cantin Group markets its Biltmore entry-level dealership programs, focusing on large dealership groups

The Dave Cantin Group has sold two of its businesses to narrow its focus.

The automotive mergers and acquisitions advisory firm announced that Biltmore Automotive Services, a management consulting and services firm for automotive investors and financial firms, has acquired two of DCG’s business lines: DCG Capital and the Ownership Accelerator Program.

In a news release, The Dave Cantin Group said contract negotiations began last month during the 2024 National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers conference. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Biltmore combines DCG’s businesses that serve first-time car buyers with its own Path to Ownership program for first-time car buyers as DCG focuses on advising the nation’s 500 largest dealership groups on growth strategies, platform management, acquisitions and divestitures,” said Dave Cantin, DCG president and CEO.

“DCG Capital and OAP are important programs, and there is no better place for them than the Biltmore.”

DCG said it has worked with Biltmore for more than three years to mentor new car dealers. It added that the company’s programs have helped automotive and non-dealership professionals navigate the negotiation process with existing dealership owners, secure capital and meet manufacturer franchise requirements.

According to DCG, these programs have resulted in the acquisition of more than 50 dealerships across the country, with a total transaction value of nearly $500 million.

“DCG Capital and OAP are a great fit for our boutique firm,” said Tim Devine, a Biltmore partner and former executive at Hyundai Capital, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. and Daimler Financial. “Automakers look to firms like ours to help them identify qualified new dealers, including minority and women candidates. We have a broad network of banks, lenders and companies that we work with to help these buyers successfully identify and close their first new-car showrooms.”

Ivan Rascanin and Frank O’Donnell are the other partners at Biltmore, based in Savannah, Georgia, which also provides ongoing automotive expertise and financial services to dealership owners.

As part of the transaction, DCG Managing Director Jim Duffy is moving to Biltmore as DCG’s real estate acquisitions divisions are integrated with the Biltmore Path to Ownership program for the first time.

“DCG is proud to have created and grown these innovative programs into the strong and influential business lines they are today,” said Cantin. “It’s critical to the industry that great people have the support they need to become new dealers, and Biltmore will make sure that support exists.”