Overview
Keeler Motor Car Company and Open Road Capital acquired Lexus of Westport, Toyota of Westport, and Audi Hawthorne from New Country Motor Car Group, expanding their luxury footprint in affluent New York City suburbs. The transaction, announced on Feb. 11 by Haig Partners LLC (exclusive advisor to the seller), spans two high-income markets: Westport, Connecticut’s “Gold Coast,” and Hawthorne in Westchester County, New York. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Parties and Roles
- Buyers: Keeler Motor Car Company (led by Jesse Hord) with Open Road Capital as the capital partner (Eric Chelline).
- Seller: New Country Motor Car Group (President: Jared Cantanucci).
- Advisor: Haig Partners LLC (President: Alan Haig), serving as exclusive advisor to the seller.
Strategic Rationale
For the buyers, the deal deepens exposure to luxury-import customers in corridors known for high household incomes and strong brand loyalty, particularly for Toyota and Lexus, which Haig Partners highlighted for robust profits per location and close dealer-factory partnerships. While Audi performance is described as softer due to tariffs, incoming products are expected to restore momentum.
For the seller, the divestiture reflects portfolio optimization and capital redeployment to core regions. New Country is prioritizing the Washington, D.C., area, where it recently acquired five luxury dealerships (Audi, BMW, Jaguar-Land Rover, and Porsche), and remains focused on higher-volume luxury and import brands in markets where it has deep presence.
Market Context
Haig Partners characterizes the buy-sell environment as highly active, with dealership profits remaining strong, valuations near all-time highs, and a sizable pool of buyers and sellers. Demand for Toyota and Lexus points is described as robust, while Audi’s near-term softness is linked to tariffs and product cadence, with recovery anticipated as new models arrive.
Locations and Brands
- Westport, Connecticut: Lexus and Toyota stores on the state’s “Gold Coast,” an area with dense concentrations of luxury owners and high incomes.
- Hawthorne, New York: Audi store in Westchester County within commuter distance of Manhattan and a longstanding market for the brand.
Process and Transaction Notes
The parties describe the process as disciplined, confidential, and cooperative. Haig Partners was credited with navigating complexity and aligning a well-capitalized buyer group. No specific operational timelines or rebranding details were disclosed, and statements from both sides suggest a focus on a smooth handoff.
Haig Partners’ Reported Track Record
- The article reports Haig Partners has been involved in 34 transactions for 41 Toyota dealerships and has extensive experience with Lexus stores.
- With this closing, the firm reports advising on the purchase or sale of more than 100 dealerships in the Northeastern U.S., which it states is more than any other buy-sell advisory firm.
- The firm describes advising on more than 575 dealership transactions, representing 32 groups on the Automotive News Top 150 list, and publishing industry valuation research while co-authoring an NADA guide on dealership buy-sells.
Implications
- Buyers gain scale and presence in prime luxury markets, positioning for strong allocation and brand partnerships.
- Seller refines its footprint, channeling resources toward growth in the Mid-Atlantic.
- The deal exemplifies larger groups selling even profitable stores to better align brand mix and market density.
- Industry consolidation remains supported by elevated earnings, succession dynamics, and investor appetite for luxury/import franchises.
