Ryan Kerrigan on the State of Dealership Buy-Sell Activity

Ryan Kerrigan, managing director at Kerrigan Advisors, joins Driving Solutions to discuss why dealership buy-sell activity remains resilient despite ongoing industry uncertainty. He breaks down key transaction trends from 2025, including major multi-rooftop deals and continued consolidation among large dealer groups, while offering insight into how ownership dynamics are shifting across the industry.Kerrigan also shares findings from the firm’s latest dealer survey, which shows improving sentiment and growing optimism heading into 2026. The conversation explores normalization of margins, rising Blue Sky valuations, and how EV market challenges and direct-to-consumer threats are shaping dealer strategy. From portfolio realignment to OEM developments and regulatory risks, Kerrigan outlines what dealers and investors should watch closely as the new year unfolds.Key discussion points:Why dealership buy-sell activity stayed strong through 2025Consolidation trends and the growing scale of large dealer groupsDealer sentiment and profitability expectations for 2026Blue Sky valuation trends across franchise brandsRisks tied to direct-to-consumer EV sales and OEM strategiesEarly signs of stabilization within StellantisDriving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.