Kerrigan Advisors Facilitates Asbury Automotive Group’s Sale of Larry H. Miller CDJR Riverdale to Young Automotive Group
Kerrigan Advisors, the leading sell-side advisor and strategic thought partner to auto dealers nationwide, has announced the successful representation of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG) in the sale of its Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) Riverdale dealership in Ogden, Utah, to Young Automotive Group.
This transaction underscores Asbury’s continued execution of its corporate strategy to optimize its dealership portfolio and enhance long-term shareholder value. The sale also reinforces Kerrigan Advisors’ dominant position in the dealership buy/sell market, having now represented clients in transactions totaling nearly $10 billion in dealership sales proceeds since 2014 — more than any other advisory firm in U.S. auto retail.
A Strategic Move for Asbury Automotive Group
Asbury Automotive Group, headquartered in Atlanta, is among the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating hundreds of franchises across key markets. The company has been systematically refining its dealership portfolio to focus on high-performing brands and growth markets while divesting select assets as part of its disciplined capital allocation strategy.
“The sale of Larry H. Miller CDJR Riverdale aligns with Asbury’s ongoing focus on strategic portfolio management,” said David Hult, President and CEO of Asbury Automotive Group. “We are pleased to have partnered once again with Kerrigan Advisors on this divestiture and appreciate the firm’s expertise in shepherding the transaction to a successful outcome. Erin Kerrigan and her team’s professionalism and insights into the dealership buy/sell market helped ensure a positive result for both Asbury and Young Automotive.”
Asbury has maintained an active presence in the buy/sell market since its 2021 acquisition of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships group, one of the largest transactions in the history of the retail automotive sector. The sale of the Riverdale store marks another step in the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline its operations and optimize brand mix across its network.
Young Automotive Group Expands Its Utah Footprint
For Young Automotive Group, the acquisition represents a significant addition to its growing regional portfolio. Based in Utah, the family-owned group operates dealerships across Utah, Idaho, and Montana, and currently ranks as the 119th largest dealership group in the United States, according to Automotive News.
The addition of the Riverdale CDJR store strengthens Young Automotive’s domestic brand representation and expands its presence in northern Utah’s dynamic Ogden metro area. With a strong customer base, proximity to key employers, and steady economic growth, the location aligns well with Young Automotive’s strategic growth objectives.
Kerrigan Advisors’ Role in the Transaction
Kerrigan Advisors’ team, led by Founder and Managing Director Erin Kerrigan and Managing Director Ryan Kerrigan, provided end-to-end advisory services, including valuation, buyer identification, and transaction structuring. The firm’s comprehensive process and deep understanding of the dealership marketplace helped ensure a smooth, efficient closing.
“We are honored to represent Asbury on another successful transaction,” said Erin Kerrigan. “Asbury continues to demonstrate disciplined portfolio management, and we are proud to serve as a strategic advisor in their efforts to optimize their highly valuable network.”
Kerrigan also highlighted the broader significance of the sale: “This transaction is not only a testament to Asbury’s strategic vision but also to the strength of the Utah market, where economic fundamentals and vehicle sales performance continue to attract strong investor demand.”
Amanda Parrilli, Vice President of Corporate Development and Real Estate at Asbury, praised the firm’s role in managing the process: “Kerrigan Advisors’ exceptional attention to detail and active involvement throughout the sale process meant a smooth and efficient closing for all parties. Their team worked diligently to achieve a seamless divestiture of the LHM CDJR Riverdale dealership.”
Utah: A Thriving Market for Auto Retail Investment
Utah’s strong demographic and economic trends continue to make it one of the most attractive markets for automotive retail investment in the United States.
- Population Growth: Utah is the second-fastest-growing state in both the West and the nation, with an expected population increase of nearly one million residents over the next 15 years.
- Economic Strength: The state’s economy has more than doubled in size over the past two decades, earning top rankings for economic performance and overall quality of life. According to U.S. News & World Report, Utah ranks #1 in overall economy and #1 state in the nation.
- Automotive Market Performance: Vehicle sales in Utah have climbed 29% since 2020, and average dealership revenues exceed the NADA national average by 17%, reflecting strong consumer demand and robust retail margins.
Situated just north of Salt Lake City, Riverdale—a suburb of Ogden—is a prime growth corridor for the state’s auto market. The area hosts 11 new vehicle dealerships and benefits from proximity to two of northern Utah’s largest employers: Hill Air Force Base and Northrop Grumman, which together employ more than 30,000 people.
Ogden’s economy has expanded by over 40% in the past five years, supported by a thriving defense, aerospace, and manufacturing sector. The metro area also maintains a domestic brand share roughly 10% higher than the U.S. average, positioning dealerships like CDJR Riverdale for sustained profitability.
Growing Investor Interest in the Ogden Market
According to Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, Utah—and Ogden in particular—has emerged as a hotspot for dealership buyers looking to capitalize on population growth, high vehicle ownership rates, and diversified economic activity.
“The Utah market continues to attract significant buyer interest given its strong economic fundamentals, consistent population growth, and high vehicle ownership rates,” said Kerrigan. “Ogden has the qualities today’s dealership buyers are seeking: a thriving local economy, major employment anchors, and above-average domestic brand sales. It’s one of the most dynamic dealership markets in the West, and we’re proud to have facilitated this transaction—our 45th dealership sale in the last 12 months.”
This milestone highlights Kerrigan Advisors’ expanding influence in the Western U.S. dealership M&A landscape, where demand remains high for both single-point dealerships and multi-store groups in fast-growing regional markets.
Legal Representation and Transaction Support
Legal counsel for the transaction was provided by Hill Ward Henderson, with Kevin H. Sutton serving as shareholder counsel to Asbury. Jill K. Bell and S. Katherine Frazier of Hill Ward Henderson provided additional support on real estate and transaction structuring matters, ensuring a timely and efficient closing.
Kerrigan Advisors: Market Leadership and Expertise
Kerrigan Advisors has firmly established itself as the premier sell-side advisor in the U.S. auto retail industry, representing many of the nation’s largest dealership groups in high-value transactions. Since its founding, the firm has closed some of the industry’s most notable buy/sell deals, offering a full suite of advisory services ranging from valuation and market analysis to buyer outreach and transaction management.
The company’s unique combination of data-driven insights, national relationships, and deep operational understanding continues to make it the advisor of choice for leading dealer groups, private owners, and investors navigating the evolving automotive retail landscape.
“As the automotive retail industry continues to transform, our role is to help clients maximize value through strategic timing, operational readiness, and disciplined execution,” said Erin Kerrigan. “We are proud that our clients trust us to guide them through these critical transitions—especially during a period of significant industry consolidation and innovation.”
About Kerrigan Advisors
Founded in 2014, Kerrigan Advisors is widely recognized as the leading sell-side advisory firm to auto dealers in North America, specializing in high-value dealership transactions and strategic consulting. The firm has advised on over $10 billion in client sales proceeds, representing some of the largest public and private dealership groups in the country.
Kerrigan Advisors also publishes The Blue Sky Report®, the industry’s most comprehensive analysis of dealership transaction trends, valuations, and market dynamics.
About Asbury Automotive Group
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG) is one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the United States, operating dealerships across numerous states and representing a broad portfolio of leading global brands. The company provides new and used vehicle sales, financing, parts, and service solutions through a network of premier locations and digital retailing platforms.
About Young Automotive Group
Young Automotive Group, headquartered in Layton, Utah, is a family-owned and operated dealership group with a legacy of serving customers across the Mountain West. The company operates multiple franchise locations in Utah, Idaho, and Montana, offering a wide range of domestic and import brands. Guided by a commitment to customer service, community engagement, and operational excellence, Young Automotive continues to expand strategically across high-growth regional markets.
A Transaction that Reflects Market Confidence
The sale of Larry H. Miller CDJR Riverdale reflects the continued strength and liquidity of the U.S. dealership buy/sell market. As national groups like Asbury optimize their networks and regional players such as Young Automotive expand strategically, firms like Kerrigan Advisors play an essential role in driving efficient, high-value outcomes for both sellers and buyers.
With its strong market fundamentals, population growth, and resilient automotive demand, Utah remains one of the most attractive regions for dealership investment in the country. The Riverdale transaction not only underscores that vitality but also exemplifies how collaboration among leading industry players continues to shape the future of auto retail in America.
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