Acquisition Advisory for Auto Dealers
Strategic Growth Through Investments and Acquisitions
At Melton Advisors, we take a different approach than most traditional brokers. While most firms chase listings and represent sellers, we focus on what growing dealer groups truly need: a trusted buy-side advisor. Our priority is to help you acquire the right dealerships on the right terms while managing the real estate and capital structure that support long-term success.
With over 40 years of operational and real estate expertise in automotive retail, our team understands the unique challenges of dealership growth. From OEM approvals to capital deployment strategies, we guide buyers through every step of the process—delivering clarity, deal flow, and execution.
More About Buy-Side Services
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As a buy-side advisor, we represent you — the buyer. Our role is to ensure that every acquisition opportunity is carefully vetted, strategically positioned, and structured to achieve your long-term objectives. From identifying targets to closing the deal, we are your partner in making growth both achievable and profitable.
Our Buy-Side Support Includes:
Identifying and screening acquisition opportunities
Conducting financial and real estate due diligence
Valuation support and deal modeling
Negotiation of purchase agreements and lease terms
Coordination with attorneys, CPAs, and lenders
Guidance on post-closing integration strategies
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The first step in any successful acquisition is identifying the right target. At Melton Advisors, we leverage our national network of relationships to uncover opportunities — including many that are not publicly marketed. Whether you’re seeking a single-store acquisition, a new franchise brand, or a multi-store regional platform, we tailor the search to fit your exact growth objectives.
Target Selection Considerations:
Franchise brand strength and market positioning
Geographic opportunities for expansion or consolidation
Facility compliance with manufacturer requirements
Financial performance, profitability, and growth potential
Real estate quality and long-term value
By combining dealership operational insight with real estate expertise, we ensure that every target is evaluated from multiple angles — business, property, and strategic fit.
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Buying a dealership involves more than agreeing on price. It requires negotiating goodwill, structuring real estate terms, meeting manufacturer approval standards, and planning for post-closing integration. Melton Advisors manages the entire process, protecting your interests while keeping the deal on track.
Our Acquisition Process:
Search & Screening – Identifying targets that meet your growth and market objectives.
Valuation & Due Diligence – Reviewing financials, real estate, and franchise requirements to validate value.
Negotiation – Structuring goodwill, working capital, and lease agreements that benefit you as the buyer.
Manufacturer & Lender Coordination – Ensuring approvals and financing are secured.
Closing & Integration – Guiding you through ownership transition and preparing your team for success.
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With decades of operational experience and transactional expertise, David Melton brings a unique perspective to buy-side advisory. He understands not only how to structure acquisitions, but also how to ensure they work operationally after closing.
Our Advantages for Buyers:
40+ years of automotive industry expertise
Nationwide licensure and buyer representation
Deep understanding of franchise requirements and manufacturer approvals
Ability to integrate real estate strategies such as sale-leasebacks or 1031 exchanges
Access to off-market opportunities through industry relationships
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At Melton Advisors, acquisitions are not just about buying stores — they are about building long-term enterprise value. That’s why we integrate real estate strategy and capital advisory into every acquisition plan.
Sale-Leasebacks – Unlock capital immediately after an acquisition while securing long-term occupancy.
1031 Exchanges – Use tax-efficient reinvestment strategies when selling and rolling into new acquisitions.
Portfolio Planning – Align your acquisitions with long-term real estate and succession goals.
By taking a holistic approach, we ensure each acquisition not only grows your footprint but also strengthens your financial position.
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If you’re considering expanding your dealership portfolio, the right advisor can mean the difference between overpaying for a risky deal and securing an acquisition that fuels decades of success.
At Melton Advisors, David Melton and our team are committed to guiding buyers with confidentiality, strategy, and execution excellence. Together, we will identify the right opportunities, structure favorable terms, and set the stage for long-term growth.
Contact Melton Advisors today to start your acquisition journey with confidence.
Contact Us for a Confidential Buy-Side Consultation
Melton Advisors provides buy-side advisory support to automotive dealers pursuing growth through acquisition. Our role is to work exclusively on behalf of the dealer—helping evaluate opportunities, assess financial and real estate considerations, and think clearly about structure, timing, and long-term implications before commitments are made.
Our buy-side advisory work integrates capital strategy, dealership real estate insight, and transaction structuring considerations to ensure acquisitions are evaluated holistically and executed deliberately. Whether assessing a first acquisition or adding to an existing platform, our role is to bring clarity, perspective, and independent judgment to complex decisions.