Haig Partners Advises Sale of Patriot Buick-GMC to Ancira Automotive Group, Preserving Community Legacy and Supporting Long-Term Growth
Haig Partners LLC, one of the nation’s foremost buy-sell advisory firms serving auto and heavy truck dealers, has successfully served as the exclusive sell-side advisor in the sale of Patriot Buick-GMC in Killeen, Texas. The dealership, a longstanding and well-respected institution in the Central Texas automotive community, has been acquired by the Ancira Automotive Group, a leading dealer group based in San Antonio.
This significant transaction marks not just the transfer of ownership of a dealership, but the continuation of a 34-year legacy rooted in community involvement, military support, and strong customer relationships. All employees of Patriot Buick-GMC will remain with the dealership under the new ownership, ensuring continuity for customers and preserving the culture that made the business a local favorite.
A Legacy of Service and Community Impact
Founded in the early 1990s, Patriot Buick-GMC has been deeply embedded in the Killeen and Fort Hood communities. Under the leadership of owner and dealer principal John Kliewer, the dealership has gone beyond simply selling vehicles—it has actively contributed to the social fabric of the area. From supporting military families to sponsoring youth programs and civic initiatives, Patriot has long seen its role as one of stewardship and service.
“Patriot has been more than just a business—it’s been a part of our family and a part of this incredible community,” said Kliewer. “It has been our greatest honor to serve generations of customers with honesty, personal care, and a deep respect for the men and women of Fort Hood and the greater Killeen area.”
Kliewer emphasized that the decision to sell the dealership was not made lightly, but came after thoughtful reflection on the evolving nature of the automotive industry. With rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and increasing demands from manufacturers, today’s dealership environment requires fresh strategies and new levels of operational scale.
“The environment is very different from when we first opened our doors,” he said. “In evaluating how best to position the dealership for long-term success, we recognized it was time to pass the torch to a group with the resources, scale, and expertise to thrive in this new era.”
Choosing the Right Partner
With that in mind, Kliewer turned to Haig Partners to guide the transaction. As a trusted advisor with decades of experience in the automotive retail space, Haig Partners—represented by Managing Director Dave Rowe—helped identify Ancira Automotive Group as the ideal buyer. Rowe, who has deep roots in Texas and has worked in dealership finance and operations for more than 30 years, was uniquely positioned to facilitate a transaction that honored Patriot’s legacy while setting the stage for future growth.
“I would like to thank Dave Rowe of Haig Partners for his invaluable assistance in navigating the sale process,” said Kliewer. “It was important to us to find a buyer that aligned with our values and would carry on the tradition of supporting our employees, customers, and community. Dave’s experience, dating back decades, and his strong network of relationships with dealers throughout Texas made all the difference.”
Rowe’s familiarity with Ancira stems from his previous work at Ally Financial, where he built relationships with many dealer groups across the state. That knowledge, combined with his time as Chief Financial Officer of Sewell Automotive Companies—one of Texas’ most respected dealer groups—made him a strong strategic partner in orchestrating a sale that met all of Kliewer’s objectives.
“As I got to know the team at Ancira, I became equally confident our legacy would be in great hands,” said Kliewer. “They share our commitment to quality, service, and community, and I know they will do great things in Killeen.”
Kliewer also extended his gratitude to legal advisors Susan White and Lauren Osterman of White, Starling & Osterman, who provided essential legal guidance throughout the sale.
A Strong Future with Ancira
With the acquisition of Patriot Buick-GMC, Ancira Automotive Group continues its strategic growth across Texas. The group is known for its strong operational performance and community-minded approach, making it a natural fit to carry forward the values and customer service excellence established by Kliewer and his team.
“Our team has always been the foundation of our success,” Kliewer noted. “Their dedication to our customers and our values is what made this dealership what it is today. We are thrilled they will continue to be part of its future. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our customers, our team, and this wonderful community over the past 34 years.”
The Market Remains Strong for Quality Dealerships
Dave Rowe of Haig Partners shared his perspective on the broader market for dealership transactions in Texas and beyond. “Working with John was a pleasure. He built a remarkably successful business that was also highly supportive of Fort Hood and the broader Killeen community,” Rowe said. “This transaction reflects our ongoing commitment to facilitating sales that not only deliver strong outcomes but also honor the legacy of the seller.”
Rowe also noted that Texas remains one of the most attractive markets in the country for automotive investors. “Buyer demand across the state remains robust, particularly for well-run General Motors franchises. Ancira’s investment in Patriot Buick-GMC underscores the confidence buyers have in Texas, and I am proud that our team could help bring the right parties together to support the future growth of this store and the community it serves.”
Haig Partners: A Trusted Leader in Dealership Transactions
Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners, added, “The sale of Patriot Buick-GMC reflects the continued strength of dealership buy-sell activity across Texas, where we are seeing interest from well-capitalized buyers all over the country seeking to expand here.”
Haig highlighted the firm’s deep experience and strong track record in Texas, where it has closed more dealership sales than any other advisory group. “Our success is rooted in our deep relationships, market knowledge, and ability to deliver the right buyer for each client,” he said. “With Dave Rowe based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we bring not only national expertise but also a local perspective that is critical in a market as unique and fast-moving as Texas.”
Haig emphasized that his team understands how significant the decision to sell or transition a dealership can be. “For owners thinking about succession, growth, or transition, we understand the weight of that decision, and we are here to help them navigate it with care and confidence,” he said. “With Dave Rowe leading our growth in Texas, dealers have access to his more than 30 years of experience from Ally and his six years as CFO at Sewell Automotive Companies.
