Automotive M&A: Strategic Transactions
M&A Support for Automotive Dealers
Most intermediaries engage only after an owner has decided to sell. By then, leverage has narrowed, timelines are compressed, and structural flexibility is limited.
Melton Advisors is engaged earlier—as an independent automotive M&A, capital, and real estate advisor—when ownership strategy, capital structure, and real estate alignment can still meaningfully shape negotiating leverage, valuation outcomes, and long-term control.
Our advisory platform is built for principals across the automotive retail and aftermarket sectors who want senior-level guidance well before entering the market. Engagement may ultimately support a full divestiture, minority recapitalization, sale-leaseback, partner buy-in or buyout, or a structured ownership transition—but only after the enterprise is properly positioned across operations, capital, and property. The objective is not simply to execute a transaction. It is to strengthen the enterprise before one begins.
When Advisory Engagement Is Appropriate
This engagement is suited for automotive retail dealership groups and multi-unit aftermarket operators who are:
• Evaluating a potential sale but uncertain about timing or market readiness
• Considering a minority recapitalization, institutional capital partner, or sale-leaseback strategy
• Assessing unsolicited offers or letters of intent
• Navigating succession, estate planning, or multi-entity ownership restructuring
• Seeking an independent advisor alongside existing legal, tax, lending, or brokerage representation
Preparation creates leverage. Integrated advisory preserves it.
Strategic Advisory Services
We advise owners and principals at every stage of an ownership or transaction decision—from initial evaluation through full execution when warranted. Our role is to reduce risk, preserve leverage, and protect long-term value.
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Confidential Business Valuations & Market Benchmarking
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Offering Memorandum Development & Presentation Materials
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Buyer Screening, Outreach & Qualification
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Negotiation Support & Deal Structure Review
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Sale-leaseback Guidance for Real Estate Holdings
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OEM Coordination & Franchise Compliance Strategy
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Full Coordination with Legal, CPA & Lender Teams
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Transaction Management—Before, During, or After Deal Initiation
Why Automotive Dealers Trust Melton Advisors
We bring practical operating and transaction judgment to ownership decisions—not a brokerage agenda. Our experience on both sides of the table gives us a clear understanding of how owners think, where risk hides, and what actually drives long-term value.
40+ years of combined automotive and transaction experience
Capital-first perspective designed to preserve control and enterprise value
Integrated view of operating performance and real estate outcomes
Trusted by dealers, principals, family offices, and institutional capital
Focused on deliberate decisions—not transactional pressure
Learn More
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In many cases, owners are already in active discussions with a buyer, partner, or successor when they engage us. While a transaction may be underway, it often lacks disciplined valuation analysis, structured documentation, real estate alignment, or experienced advisory oversight. Our involvement brings clarity, structure, and confidence to decisions that carry long-term consequences.
• Independent transaction review to identify valuation gaps, risk exposure, or structural misalignment
• Real estate positioning to evaluate ownership, lease structure, or pre-closing equity optimization
• Sale-leaseback evaluation to support tax-aware and capital-efficient exits
• Transition planning designed to protect operational continuity and legacy value
• Strategic counsel on timing, deal terms, buyer alignment, and overall market positioning -
We tailor our support based on where you are in the process and what you need to protect and maximize value. Services include:
Strategic Transaction Preparation
Independent valuations and market benchmarking
Objective readiness assessments
Scenario planning and risk identification
Deal Structuring & Documentation Oversight
Review of term sheets, LOIs, and deal economics
Negotiation support and strategy alignment
Capital structure and tax impact insights
Buyer Qualification & Outreach Support
Screening and qualification of potential buyers or partners
Market context and pricing perspective
Confidential outreach strategy (when appropriate)
Real Estate Integration & Optimization
Alignment of business and property interests
Sale-leaseback structuring and equity unlocking before closing
Franchise compliance and OEM coordination
Cross-Functional Coordination
Integration with your CPA, legal counsel, lender, and tax advisors
Transaction management across all moving parts
Support before, during, or after deal initiation
Each engagement is customized to your objectives, timeline, and existing process — whether you’ve just begun exploring options or are deep into negotiations.
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We work with owners and principals of all sizes—from single-store franchisees to multi-location groups—who want more than just a broker. Our clients are looking for a strategic partner who can coordinate across business, legal, and real estate aspects of a deal.
Franchisees preparing for retirement or succession
Owners evaluating unsolicited offers or private equity interest
Groups consolidating stores or entering new markets
Families transitioning the business to the next generation
Buyers seeking off-market franchise opportunities with clarity
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If you're already in conversations or considering your next move, we’re here to help. Our Strategic Support Services are built to provide structure, guidance, and peace of mind at every step—no matter who initiated the transaction.
Contact Melton Advisors for a confidential consultation and discover how our trusted transaction advisors can help you unlock value, protect your equity, and move forward with clarity and control.
