Kerrigan Advisors Facilitates Strategic Sale of Car Pros’ Washington Kia and Hyundai Dealerships to Go Auto
Kerrigan Advisors—the auto retail industry’s leading exclusive sell-side advisory firm—has announced the successful representation of Car Pros Automotive Group in the sale of three of its high-performing Washington dealerships to Go Auto. The transaction includes Car Pros Kia Tacoma, Car Pros Kia Renton, and Car Pros Hyundai Renton, all major import-brand leaders within the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan market. For Go Auto, one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing automotive groups, the purchase represents a significant expansion of its U.S. platform and its first foothold in the Seattle metro area.
The deal also marks a major milestone for Kerrigan Advisors: more than $10 billion in total sales proceeds generated for its sell-side clients since 2015, further cementing the firm’s status as the most active and influential buy/sell advisor in the auto retail sector.
A Landmark Transaction for Both Companies
“We were honored to once again represent Matthew Phillips and the Car Pros team on this landmark transaction,” said Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors. “Car Pros has built a dominant Kia and Hyundai presence in one of the most dynamic import markets in the country. These stores are exceptional, and we are confident these high-performing franchises will thrive as part of Go Auto’s growing U.S. platform.”
Go Auto, a family-owned automotive group established in Canada, operates 70 dealerships across 28 brands in Canada and the United States. Its acquisition of the three Washington stores follows its initial entry into the U.S. market in February 2023, when it purchased a dealership in Bellingham, Washington. With the addition of the Car Pros locations—each ranking among the top performers in the state—Go Auto expands its strategic presence in a high-growth region with strong consumer demand for Korean import brands.
Car Pros, meanwhile, will continue operating six highly successful dealerships in Southern California, representing Honda, Kia, BMW and MINI. These stores maintain top-tier market rankings and remain central to the group’s long-term vision.
Car Pros’ Legacy of Performance and People-First Values
Founded in 1993 by Ken Phillips with only two employees and a small used-car lot in downtown Tacoma, Car Pros has evolved into a nationally recognized, people-first automotive group known for its operational excellence and deep community involvement. Under current CEO Matthew Phillips, the organization grew to over 700 employees and developed one of the most prominent Kia and Hyundai retail footprints in the United States.
The group has earned a reputation for being one of the top performers nationwide in both brands, at times operating the #1 and #2 Kia dealerships in the entire U.S. Their Washington locations in Tacoma and Renton consistently rank among the state’s strongest volume dealers:
- Car Pros Kia Tacoma – #1 Kia dealership in Washington
- Car Pros Kia Renton – #2 Kia dealership in Washington
- Car Pros Hyundai Renton – #5 Hyundai dealership in Washington
Given this deep legacy, the sale carries personal significance for the Phillips family.
“I am so proud of our Car Pros teams who have helped our Washington dealerships achieve their leadership positions,” said Matthew Phillips. “While I’m confident the dealerships are in great hands with Go Auto, this sale is bittersweet. My dad, Ken Phillips, began selling cars in the 70s and opened his first used lot in Tacoma in 1993. Our dealerships have deep roots in the communities they serve. We are profoundly grateful for the support we’ve received over the years and for the dedicated employees whose hard work and heart shaped these stores.”
Phillips emphasized that Go Auto’s values aligned closely with those of Car Pros, especially regarding people-centric operations and community commitment. “The Go Auto team shares the same Car Pros values and core principles—commitment to employees, customers, and community. I wish them much success as they continue to grow their presence in Washington.”
A Market Defined by Strong Brands and Strong Growth
The Seattle-Tacoma region is one of the most attractive automotive retail markets in the western United States. With a population of over 4.1 million people, it is the economic heart of the Pacific Northwest and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. In 2024 alone, the region added 67,000 new residents, ranking tenth among all U.S. metros.
Import brands dominate the region, commanding roughly 75% market share, far above the national average. Korean brands, in particular, outperform competitors in both throughput and new-unit sales growth. Kia and Hyundai have undergone one of the most significant product transformations in the global auto industry, driving exceptional demand for their vehicles.
Currently, both brands generate sales per franchise exceeding 1,000 units annually, placing them fourth and fifth among all non-luxury OEMs in the U.S. Dealer sentiment is similarly strong: the 2024 Kerrigan Dealer Survey found that 80% of Kia dealers and 72% of Hyundai dealers expect franchise values to remain stable or increase in 2025—ranking them among the most optimistic in the non-luxury segment.
Against this backdrop, the Car Pros stores represent prime assets for any buyer seeking scale, stability, and long-term value creation.
Kerrigan Advisors’ Role and Expertise
Kerrigan Advisors has long been a strategic thought partner to the Phillips family, supporting Car Pros through years of growth, valuation analysis, strategic planning, and now this pivotal transaction.
“Kerrigan Advisors has been a thought partner to me and my family for more than a decade,” said Phillips. “Their unmatched insights into the buy/sell market, dealership valuations, and the buyer community have guided our decision-making. Their management of this sale was seamless.”
Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, highlighted the significance of the dealerships in today’s competitive acquisition landscape.
“In today’s buy/sell environment, buyers are attracted to high-volume dealerships with consistent records of strong performance, and these Car Pros stores exemplify that profile,” she said. “Their top-ranked performance in the Seattle-Tacoma market drove exceptional interest from the buyer community. We were honored to work with Matthew again to identify the ideal buyer and bring the transaction to a successful close.”
The firm’s track record—including more than 225 dealerships sold and over $10 billion in client proceeds—positions it as the most trusted advisor among dealers seeking professional representation for high-value, strategic transactions.
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