The Presidio Group LLC, a leading independent merchant banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, and strategic investments within the automotive retail and consumer mobility sectors, has successfully advised Lancaster County Motors on the sale of Mercedes-Benz of Medford to Lithia Motors Inc.. The transaction, which also included the dealership’s associated real estate holdings, officially closed on February 23, marking another significant milestone in the evolving automotive retail buy-sell landscape.
The dealership, located in Medford, Oregon, held a unique position within Lancaster County Motors’ portfolio. It was the company’s only retail operation outside its core Pennsylvania market. Its geographic separation from Lancaster’s primary operating footprint ultimately influenced the decision to divest the asset as part of a broader long-term strategic realignment.
Strategic Refocus for Lancaster County Motors
For Lancaster County Motors, the sale represents a deliberate step toward strengthening operational focus closer to its home market. While Mercedes-Benz of Medford had been a valued part of the organization, leadership determined that concentrating resources within Pennsylvania would better support sustainable growth and operational cohesion over the long term.
Chris Boland, owner of Lancaster County Motors, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. However, aligning dealership operations within a more centralized geographic footprint allows the organization to sharpen its strategic priorities and deepen its engagement within its core market.
Boland also expressed confidence that the dealership’s future is secure under Lithia’s stewardship. With Lithia’s longstanding presence in Medford and established appreciation for the Mercedes-Benz brand, the transition ensures continuity for employees and customers alike. The involvement of The Presidio Group throughout the process, Boland noted, helped deliver an outcome that satisfied all stakeholders while preserving the dealership’s legacy and positioning it for continued success.
A Natural Fit for Lithia Motors
For Lithia Motors, the acquisition strengthens its presence in its hometown of Medford. Notably, the dealership is located just a few miles from Lithia’s global headquarters, reinforcing the strategic alignment between the asset and the company’s existing footprint.
Founded in 1946, Lithia Motors Inc. has grown into one of the largest automotive retailers in North America, operating under a diversified portfolio of domestic and luxury brands. Adding Mercedes-Benz of Medford enhances its luxury segment representation and further deepens its relationship with the prestigious Mercedes-Benz marque.
Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO of Lithia Motors, described the acquisition as a natural extension of the company’s local roots and brand strategy. Lithia has maintained a deep connection to the Medford community for decades, and integrating a Mercedes-Benz dealership within its immediate geographic orbit underscores both its hometown pride and long-term commitment to luxury automotive retail.
DeBoer also highlighted Presidio’s instrumental role in facilitating the transaction, commending the advisory team for its professionalism and expertise in guiding complex dealership transfers. For Lithia, the deal not only expands its luxury portfolio but also reinforces its growth strategy through disciplined, strategic acquisitions.
Expanding the Mercedes-Benz Portfolio
The Medford transaction is part of a broader expansion trend for Lithia within the Mercedes-Benz ecosystem. Earlier in 2025, Lithia acquired two additional Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Mississippi and Tennessee—transactions that were also facilitated by The Presidio Group. These acquisitions reflect sustained momentum in luxury dealership consolidation and demonstrate Lithia’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in premium automotive retail.
Mercedes-Benz dealerships remain highly sought after in today’s buy-sell market due to the brand’s enduring consumer appeal, strong margins, and consistent performance across economic cycles. Industry observers note that luxury franchises often command premium valuations, particularly when located in stable or growing markets.
Presidio’s Continued Leadership in Mercedes-Benz Transactions
For The Presidio Group, the Medford sale represents the 22nd Mercedes-Benz dealership transaction in which the firm has served as an advisor. This track record underscores Presidio’s established reputation as one of the automotive retail sector’s foremost M&A specialists.
George Karolis, President of The Presidio Group, indicated that from the beginning of the engagement it was clear that a highly logical buyer existed for the Medford dealership. Lithia’s combination of local presence, operational sophistication, and long-term commitment to the Mercedes-Benz brand created what Karolis described as a “perfect-fit” transaction.
The Medford transaction also marks the third Mercedes-Benz dealership sale advised by Presidio so far this year, and the fourth Mercedes-Benz transaction completed in 2025 overall under the firm’s guidance. Such activity highlights the continued strength of the dealership buy-sell environment, particularly within the luxury segment.
Karolis noted that high-quality Mercedes-Benz stores continue to generate significant buyer interest nationwide. The sustained demand reflects both the resilience of the luxury market and the confidence strategic acquirers maintain in well-positioned franchises.
Real Estate Component Strengthens Transaction Value
Importantly, the transaction included the dealership’s related real estate assets, adding another layer of value and complexity to the deal structure. In dealership buy-sell transactions, real estate ownership often plays a critical role in valuation, financing, and long-term strategic planning.
By incorporating the property into the sale, the parties ensured operational continuity while simplifying long-term site control for Lithia. For Lancaster County Motors, monetizing both the dealership operations and real estate provided a comprehensive exit from the out-of-state asset.
Legal and Advisory Teams
The transaction involved experienced legal counsel on both sides. Charles H. Rieck IV of Blakinger Thomas served as legal advisor to Lancaster County Motors, guiding the seller through contractual, regulatory, and transactional requirements. Lithia Motors relied on its in-house legal team to manage its side of the transaction, reflecting the company’s scale and internal expertise in acquisition execution.
Presidio provided exclusive M&A advisory services through its wholly owned investment bank, Presidio Merchant Partners LLC. The firm’s role encompassed strategic positioning, buyer identification, negotiation management, valuation guidance, and transaction coordination through closing.
Broader Industry Context
The sale of Mercedes-Benz of Medford comes amid sustained consolidation within the U.S. automotive retail industry. Public dealer groups such as Lithia Motors continue to pursue disciplined acquisition strategies, targeting high-performing franchises that complement existing geographic and brand portfolios.
Luxury dealerships, particularly those representing globally recognized brands like Mercedes-Benz, remain attractive acquisition targets due to their stable customer bases, premium service revenue streams, and brand equity. Additionally, proximity to corporate headquarters—such as in this case—can further enhance operational synergies and managerial oversight.
For privately held dealer groups like Lancaster County Motors, strategic divestitures allow leadership to refine focus, optimize capital allocation, and reinforce regional dominance. In this instance, the sale allows Lancaster to consolidate its efforts within Pennsylvania while ensuring its former Oregon dealership transitions to an owner deeply invested in the local market.
Positioning for Continued Success
Ultimately, the transaction reflects alignment between strategic priorities on both sides. Lancaster County Motors achieves a focused, long-term realignment of its operations, while Lithia strengthens its hometown presence and expands its luxury representation.
For employees and customers of Mercedes-Benz of Medford, the transition promises continuity under a well-capitalized and locally rooted owner. Lithia’s established infrastructure, operational scale, and commitment to the Mercedes-Benz brand position the dealership for continued growth within the competitive luxury automotive marketplace.
As dealership buy-sell activity continues to shape the retail automotive landscape, transactions like this underscore the importance of strategic clarity, experienced advisory guidance, and brand alignment. With 22 Mercedes-Benz transactions now completed under its advisory leadership, The Presidio Group continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating high-profile dealership transfers across the United States.
The Medford deal stands as another example of how thoughtful succession planning, strategic geographic focus, and strong buyer-seller alignment can create mutually beneficial outcomes in today’s dynamic automotive retail environment.
About Lancaster County Motors
Lancaster County Motors is a family-owned dealership group based in East Petersburg, Penn., and operating since 1935. Company dealerships include Lancaster County Motors Subaru, Lancaster Hyundai, Lancaster County Kia, Mercedes-Benz of Lancaster, Providence Autos and LCM Used Cars. Known for its commitment to excellence and customer care, Lancaster County Motors focuses on meeting and exceeding guest expectations through knowledgeable sales staff, a wide selection of vehicles and a full range of service and financing options.
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