The Presidio Group Advises Patriot Automotive Group on Sale of New Hampshire Nissan Dealership
The Presidio Group LLC (“Presidio”), a leading independent merchant banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and investments within the automotive retail and consumer mobility sectors, has announced the successful sale of Patriot Nissan of Salem, New Hampshire. The transaction, which included the dealership and related real estate, was finalized on June 2, 2025. Presidio acted as the exclusive advisor to Patriot Automotive Group and its owner, Adam Arens, throughout the sale process.
The buyer is a new ownership group headed by brothers James and Erik Kirste, who bring previous automotive retail experience from operating a Ford dealership in Vermont. With the acquisition of Patriot Nissan, the Kirstes are making a strategic move into the New Hampshire market, further expanding their presence in New England’s competitive automotive landscape.
Strategic Realignment for Patriot Automotive Group
For Patriot Automotive Group, the sale marks a deliberate step in rebalancing its dealership portfolio. Adam Arens, a seasoned automotive retailer with ongoing operations at Subaru and Acura franchises in Maine and Massachusetts, viewed the transaction as part of a broader strategic realignment.
“When it came time to sell Patriot Nissan, there was only one advisor I’d ever consider turning to for advice and assistance: The Presidio Group,” said Arens. “I’ve known Presidio President George Karolis for more than 25 years, and his team’s deep expertise and unwavering commitment guided me as I assessed this dealership’s fit within my portfolio.”
This transaction allows Arens to focus on existing assets that align more closely with his long-term operational goals and regional strategy. By divesting the Salem location, Arens can now concentrate on strengthening his core dealerships in neighboring states, enhancing operational efficiencies and regional brand presence.
A New Chapter for the Kirste Family
For James and Erik Kirste, the acquisition of the Salem-based Nissan store represents a calculated investment in a high-demand market. The dealership’s location, visibility, and brand alignment with Nissan’s strong customer loyalty in New England make it a compelling opportunity for the new owners.
“The acquisition of the Nissan store in Salem is a strategic investment for my family, and we greatly appreciate the professionalism and efficiency that Patriot Automotive and The Presidio Group brought to the table,” said James Kirste. “We look forward to serving the Salem community and working with the talented staff at the dealership.”
With a solid foundation in the region’s automotive market, the Kirstes intend to bring operational enhancements while maintaining the customer-centric culture that made Patriot Nissan a well-regarded name in the area. The new owners aim to leverage Nissan’s evolving EV lineup and growing demand for fuel-efficient models to further expand their market footprint.
Presidio’s Expanding Role in a Rebounding Deal Market
The successful closing of the Patriot Nissan transaction is one of five dealership deals The Presidio Group closed in June 2025 alone, underscoring the firm’s active role in a market showing renewed momentum in buy-sell activity. According to Presidio Managing Director Alex Watterson, this uptick in transactions is a signal of broader market trends.
“We were honored to represent Patriot Automotive Group in the sale of its Nissan store,” said Watterson. “Closing five transactions in June alone shows that deal pace in the market is picking up.”
The acceleration in M&A activity is being driven by multiple factors, including the stabilization of interest rates, increased demand for strategic geographic expansion among dealer groups, and OEMs’ ongoing efforts to realign dealer networks with electric vehicle goals.
A Trusted Advisor in the Automotive Sector
With a legacy of trusted relationships in the automotive industry, The Presidio Group continues to be a go-to advisory partner for dealers looking to evaluate, acquire, or divest dealership assets. George Karolis, President of The Presidio Group, emphasized the significance of building long-term relationships rooted in trust and results.
“Our long-standing relationship with Adam Arens exemplifies the trust that Presidio regularly builds with its clients,” said Karolis. “Our M&A team is here to advise dealers on effectively managing their dealership holdings and ensuring their store footprints align perfectly with their strategic long-term goals.”
The Presidio Group provides its M&A advisory services through its wholly owned investment bank, Presidio Merchant Partners LLC. The firm is known for its deep industry insights, discreet execution, and tailored transaction strategies that help clients achieve optimized outcomes in dealership transactions across North America.
Legal Counsel and Advisory Support
The transaction was supported by expert legal counsel on both sides. Robert Macdonald Jr. of Bernstein Shur served as legal counsel to Patriot Automotive Group, while Scott Ellison of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA represented James and Erik Kirste.
This collaboration among top-tier legal professionals ensured a smooth transaction process, balancing regulatory compliance, real estate transfer, and operational transition with minimal disruption to ongoing business operations at the dealership.
Market Outlook and Future Transactions
As the dealership M&A market gains traction in 2025, more regional and family-owned groups are expected to re-evaluate their portfolios in light of evolving customer preferences, OEM expectations, and the ongoing shift toward electrification.
Presidio’s June closings demonstrate that active buyers remain eager to expand when the right opportunities align with their business models. Likewise, sellers are looking for strategic exits that maximize asset value and ensure a seamless transition for customers and employees.
With its unique focus on the automotive retail and consumer mobility sectors, The Presidio Group remains at the forefront of these market dynamics, providing bespoke advisory services to dealership groups of all sizes.
Patriot Automotive Group operates Patriot Subaru of Saco, Maine; Patriot Subaru of North Attleboro, Mass.; and Patriot Acura of Scarborough, Maine. The group’s stores have consistently earned top honors from Subaru of America, including the Chairman’s Award. Patriot’s Subaru dealerships have also been among Automotive News’ Best Dealerships To Work For several times since 2012. The group’s Subaru store in Maine store was recognized by the Best Companies To Work For in Maine program for seven consecutive years. Patriot is dedicated to being a green, environmentally friendly business and has earned an Energy Star Small Business Award and Cox Automotive Sustainability Award for those efforts.
