Buy-sell market remains robust, even as profits begin to normalize; read the key takeaways from a new report
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—The dealership buy-sell market remains robust, even as profits begin to normalize. Private and public buyers continue to pursue acquisitions across all major franchises, keeping dealership values elevated, according to a new report from buy-sell advisory firm Haig Partners.
Despite some market uncertainty from tariffs and shifting consumer confidence, demand for top-performing franchises remains strong. Key takeaways from the new Q4 2024 Haig Report are below.
- Dealership M&A Remains Active: 510 rooftops traded hands in 2024, making it the fourth-busiest year in auto retail M&A history.
- Blue Sky Values Hold Strong: The average publicly traded dealership had an estimated blue sky value of $20.9 million in 2024 — a 14% decline from 2023, but still 122% higher than 2019.
- Profits Remain Above Pre-Pandemic Levels: Pre-tax profits per dealership averaged $4.0 million in 2024, roughly double 2019 levels.
- Private Buyers Lead the Market: Private dealership groups accounted for 95% of dealerships acquired, while public groups sought opportunities outside U.S. auto retail.
- Higher Demand for Certain Franchises: Toyota, Mazda, Chevrolet and Buick-GMC all saw increases in the blue sky multiples used by buyers when making offers thanks to strong performance in those franchises.
- Macroeconomic Uncertainty Looms: New auto tariffs and inflation may impact future valuations.
- Franchise Assessments
- Remain Rock Solid: BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru
- Improved: Kia and Mazda
- Struggling: Nissan, Infiniti, CDJR
- Losing Market Share: Tesla
- The Transportation Freedom Act: In February 2025, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, introduced the Transportation Freedom Act, aiming to boost U.S. auto workers with a 200% wage tax deduction and lower car prices by eliminating costly mandates. Backed by GM, Stellantis, Toyota, and NADA, the bill is seen as a win for dealerships, though some experts warn it could slow EV adoption.
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