The Presidio Group LLC exclusively advised Scott Biehl on the sale of his Mercedes-Benz of Fresno dealership to Alpha Auto Group (AAG), marking a significant expansion for AAG into the California market and the addition of its first Mercedes-Benz franchise. This acquisition signals a strategic move for AAG, which is rapidly growing its portfolio of automotive dealerships across North America.
For Scott Biehl, the decision to sell his Mercedes Fresno Dealer franchise was carefully considered. “It was essential for us to find an outstanding buyer, someone we were comfortable with, especially for our team in Fresno,” Biehl stated. He expressed confidence in The Presidio Group’s ability to manage the transaction smoothly and achieve his goals. His long-term commitment to both his employees and the Fresno community is expected to continue under the new ownership of AAG.
AAG’s acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of Fresno represents its first foray into the lucrative California auto market. Adding a prestigious brand like Mercedes-Benz to their lineup, which already includes Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mini, Subaru, and Toyota, is a significant step. AAG views California as a strategically important market, particularly noting Mercedes-Benz’s growing market share in the state, which increased to 4.2 percent through June 2022, up from 3.9 percent in the previous year, according to the California New Car Dealers Association. This acquisition positions AAG to capitalize on the strong demand for luxury vehicles in California.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Fresno teammates to the AAG family,” AAG stated, highlighting the strategic importance of adding Mercedes-Benz of Fresno to their portfolio. They committed to maintaining the high standards established by Scott Biehl and his team, ensuring a seamless transition for both employees and customers.
George Karolis, President and Partner at Presidio, emphasized the firm’s client-focused approach, noting their longstanding relationship with Scott Biehl. Presidio’s CEO, Brodie Cobb, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their commitment to building long-term relationships and prioritizing client interests. The successful completion of this transaction underscores Presidio’s expertise in facilitating mergers and acquisitions within the automotive retail sector.
Legal counsel for the seller was provided by Richard Rasmussen of Lagerlof, LLP, while J. Gregory Humphries of Shutts & Bowen, LLP, served as legal counsel for the buyer. The Presidio Group, through its investment bank Presidio Merchant Partners LLC, acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Scott Biehl. This transaction further solidifies Presidio’s reputation as a leading advisor in the automotive retail industry. Founded in 1998, Presidio has built a strong track record of client service, completing over 210 transactions totaling more than $14 billion. The firm’s insights into the automotive retail landscape are further demonstrated through their publication, Where the Rubber Meets the Road, a respected source of industry analysis.
