Buying a car dealership is a major investment—one that comes with both opportunity and complexity. At Hicks Management & Consulting, we have guided numerous clients through this complex journey with confidence and success. Whether you are a seasoned business owner or a first-time buyer, understanding the process makes all the difference.
Starting With the Right Foundation
When you are ready to buy a car dealership, it is critical to start with clear goals. We begin by working closely with buyers to understand exactly what they are looking for—brand preference, location, size, and type of operation. This helps us target options that fit your criteria from the beginning.
From there, we tap into a wide network to identify potential sellers. Confidentiality is a top priority. Every buyer we work with signs a nondisclosure agreement before receiving a deal package tailored to the opportunity. The package contains essential financial details, dealership performance insights, and other critical information to help you make a well-informed decision.
A common question we hear is whether the current market conditions make it a good time to buy auto dealership entities. With market shifts and evolving consumer preferences, we are seeing increased activity—and plenty of room for growth if the deal is structured correctly.
Navigating the Legal and Financial Steps
Once a buyer is interested, we guide them through drafting a Letter of Intent. It details the key terms of the deal and serves as the foundation for drafting the formal Asset Purchase Agreement (APA). While this stage can feel daunting, we break it down into manageable steps. We make it our priority to protect each buyer’s interests and align their expectations with current market realities.
During due diligence, we help you gather and review documents covering everything from tax returns to inventory breakdowns. This process usually takes 30–60 days and is crucial for verifying the financial and operational health of the dealership.
We also assist with the manufacturer approval process, which is especially critical when evaluating new car dealerships available for purchase. Each auto manufacturer has unique requirements and timelines. Our team coordinates every step to keep the process moving smoothly and transparently.
Closing With Confidence
As the deal nears completion, things move fast. We manage all moving parts—from final inventory counts and parts valuations to coordinating with the manufacturer and ensuring compliance with state licensing requirements. It is during this stage that our experience truly shines.
Most buyers don’t realize that automotive dealerships for sale are essentially three businesses in one: new vehicles, used inventory, and fixed assets such as parts and equipment. Each of these must be carefully appraised, negotiated, and documented. Our job is to make sure that no detail is overlooked.
At this stage, auto dealership brokers often pass the baton—but we stay engaged right through closing. We coordinate the final deal sheet, confirm all monetary transfers, and ensure both parties walk away satisfied.
Start Your Dealership Journey with a Trusted Partner
If you’re actively searching for automotive dealerships or want to explore new car dealerships for sale, we are ready to help. At Hicks Management & Consulting, we do not just broker deals—we guide you through each phase with expertise, transparency, and your goals in mind.
Let’s talk about your vision and how we can help make it a reality. Visit us today and take the first step toward dealership ownership with confidence.
