Kerrigan Advisors Facilitates Strategic Sale of Burlington Subaru and Burlington Hyundai to Hoffman Auto Dealerships Group
Kerrigan Advisors, widely regarded as the leading sell-side advisor and thought partner to auto dealers across the U.S., has announced the successful sale of Burlington Subaru and Burlington Hyundai in Vermont. The two dealerships, previously owned by 802 Cars, were acquired by the Hoffman Auto Group, marking yet another milestone in Kerrigan Advisors’ growing track record. This transaction represents the 288th and 289th dealership sales completed by Kerrigan Advisors since its founding and its 56th multi-dealership sale, underscoring the firm’s position as the nation’s most active advisor for high-value dealership groups.
The Burlington Subaru and Hyundai locations are recognized as the top-performing franchises in Vermont for their respective brands. Both stores have cultivated significant customer loyalty and play a prominent role in the local automotive retail landscape. Their strategic location and market leadership made them particularly attractive to buyers seeking strong operational performance and long-term growth potential.
The two dealerships are part of a larger portfolio operated by 802 Cars, a well-established dealership group in Vermont. While Burlington Subaru and Hyundai were sold in this transaction, the 802 Cars team, led by Dealer Principals Dave Birmingham and Steve Kelson, will continue operating their other locations, including 802 Honda, 802 Toyota, and 802 Subaru – all based in Berlin, Vermont.
According to Birmingham, the decision to work with Kerrigan Advisors stemmed from the firm’s extensive experience and deep expertise in managing complex, multi-dealership transactions. “We chose Kerrigan Advisors for their deep expertise, and proven success advising on multi-dealership transactions, as well as their exceptional network of qualified buyers,” he said. “Gabe Robleto and the Kerrigan team understood the complexities of a higher-value sale and guided us through a professional, efficient, and discreet process. We are grateful for their support and excited to continue focusing on our other stores in Berlin, Vermont.”
Steve Kelson echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a buyer and advisor who would prioritize not only the financial aspects of the deal but also the impact on employees and the local community. “It was important to us that the sale of both dealerships be handled with care for our employees and the Burlington community,” Kelson said. “Kerrigan Advisors delivered a process that respected those priorities and achieved our goals. We are proud of what we built here and deeply appreciate the loyalty of our customers and team. We look forward to continuing our commitment to Vermont through our Berlin locations.”
Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, praised the vision and legacy of the 802 Cars leadership team, noting their dealerships’ central role in Vermont’s auto retail sector. “Working with Dave and Steve on this transaction was truly an honor,” said Kerrigan. “We deeply appreciate the trust they placed in Kerrigan Advisors to represent these valuable dealerships, which have been such an important part of the Burlington community. Our focus was to manage a professional and thoughtful sales process that honored everything they built over the years. It was a privilege to support them through this important transition, and we are proud to have helped position their dealerships for continued success under the ownership of the Hoffman Auto Group.”
Hoffman Auto Group, a family-owned dealership group with a storied history dating back to 1921, brings a reputation for operational excellence and customer-focused values. The acquisition of Burlington Subaru and Hyundai aligns with Hoffman’s growth strategy and commitment to expanding its geographic footprint in strong markets. By acquiring two leading stores in Vermont’s largest city, Hoffman gains a solid position in a state with robust brand loyalty, especially for Subaru.
The Burlington market presents a unique combination of economic vitality and demographic strength. Though it comprises just a portion of Vermont geographically, Burlington and its surrounding metro area represent roughly 35% of the state’s total population. The area has demonstrated sustained population growth of 3.4% since 2019, surpassing the national growth rate by 70%. This upward trend signals a healthy and expanding consumer base for automotive retailers.
Economically, Burlington has evolved into Vermont’s largest and most dynamic regional economy. Since 2017, the area’s GDP has increased by 28%, reaching more than $17 billion. Its economic base is diversified across key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers include Dealer.com, one of the automotive industry’s leading digital marketing providers; GlobalFoundries, a prominent semiconductor manufacturer; and the University of Vermont Medical Center, the region’s primary healthcare provider and research institution. These entities contribute to Burlington’s status as a hub of innovation and economic resilience.
From an automotive perspective, Subaru and Hyundai have both emerged as standout brands in terms of sales growth and consumer preference. Since 2008, Subaru has recorded a staggering 224% increase in sales, while Hyundai has seen an 88% uptick—ranking first and third, respectively, among import non-luxury brands. This success is largely due to their compelling product portfolios, which include a blend of fuel-efficient, all-wheel-drive, and SUV models that resonate with buyers in regions like Vermont.
Vermont itself is one of Subaru’s strongest-performing states, boasting a remarkable 15% market share—approximately three times the national average. The loyalty of Vermont drivers to Subaru vehicles is well documented, making the Burlington dealership a critical asset within the OEM’s broader U.S. network. Hyundai, likewise, benefits from rising consumer demand in the state, and with Burlington Hyundai’s market-leading status, the acquisition is particularly advantageous for the Hoffman Auto Group.
“In today’s buy/sell market, buyers are increasingly prioritizing higher-volume dealerships, and Burlington Subaru and Burlington Hyundai stood out, each ranking #1 in Vermont for their brands,” noted Gabe Robleto, Senior Vice President at Kerrigan Advisors. “Vermont’s exceptionally strong Subaru market share and Burlington’s growing economy made this a highly attractive opportunity. By leveraging our extensive buyer database, we were gratified to achieve an excellent outcome for 802 Cars and for their communities. We congratulate the Hoffman family on the addition of two prized stores.”
The transaction underscores a broader trend in the auto retail sector: high-performing, single-point dealerships in vibrant markets continue to attract strong interest from established dealer groups looking to expand. With economic and demographic trends supporting long-term automotive retail demand in Burlington, and with Subaru and Hyundai’s continued brand momentum, this acquisition positions Hoffman Auto Group for sustainable success in the Northeast.
As for Kerrigan Advisors, the completion of this transaction adds to the firm’s unmatched record of facilitating some of the industry’s most complex and high-value dealership sales. Its ability to identify strategic buyers, negotiate favorable outcomes, and protect the legacy of sellers has made Kerrigan Advisors the go-to partner for dealers navigating pivotal business transitions.
