Mergermarket recently published a Dealspeak report featuring insights from partner John Shackelford of Shackleford law firm, on the acceleration of M&A deals among auto dealerships.  The report utilizes Mergermarket data to highlight that private buyers drove 87% of North American auto-retail deals in 2025. 

The analysis by Mr. Shackelford noted that despite a slight dip from 2022 record highs, dealership profits remain nearly double pre-pandemic levels, which continues to support high “blue-sky” (goodwill) valuations and strong buyer appetite.   

Read more here from Mergermarket.