A dealership M&A transaction announced last week includes a case of two dealership groups headed in the same direction.

South.

For the buyer, Canada-based Go Auto, the acquisition of Car Pros Hyundai Renton, Car Pros Kia Renton and Car Pros Kia Tacoma in Washington is a part of a plan to expand its presence in the U.S., which president Phil Abram called “a natural progression” for the company.

For Car Pros, founded in Tacoma, the sale of the group’s three locations in the American Pacific Northwest represents a shift to focus exclusively on the larger and more lucrative Southern California market, where Car Pros operates six locations. Among those dealerships is Car Pros Kia Glendale, which has led the nation in new Kia sales for five consecutive years.

Kerrigan Advisors, which represented Car Pros in the transaction, said the three Washington stores are all among the state’s top volume dealerships for their brand, with Car Pros Kia Tacoma ranked first, Car Pros Kia Renton second and Car Pros Hyundai Renton fifth.

“While I am confident the dealerships are in great hands with Go Auto, this sale is bittersweet,” Car Pros CEO Matthew Phillips said. “My dad, Ken Phillips, started selling cars in the ‘70s, establishing his first used car lot in downtown Tacoma in 1993, so our dealerships have deep roots in the communities they serve. We are profoundly grateful for the support we have received over the years, and for the dedicated employees whose hard work and heart shaped these stores.

“The Go Auto team shares the same Car Pros values and core principles — commitment to employees, customers and community — and I wish them much success as they continue to grow their presence in Washington.”

Go Auto also addressed another part of its strategy — concentrating its Canadian growth on its core markets in Western Canada — with the addition of Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak in Calgary from Vaughn Wyant of the Wyant Group. The Wyant Group owns 20 dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta and its home province of Saskatchewan.

The Royal Oak store is Go Auto’s sixth in Calgary, with another in suburban Airdrie, Alberta.

The new dealerships in Washington, which have been renamed Go Hyundai of Renton, Go Kia Renton and Go Kia Tacoma, bring the group’s U.S. holdings to five dealerships, joining Mercedes-Benz of Bellingham and Toyota of Bellingham in Bellingham, Wash., acquired in 2023.

In all, Go Auto, headquartered in Edmonton, operates 74 dealerships in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Washington.

In a news release, Go Auto said its “multi-market growth” reflects its “continued momentum across North America,” including “dynamic new regions” in Tacoma and Renton.

“Expanding further into Washington State and adding another luxury location in Calgary are key elements of our strategic plan,” Abram said. “As we move through 2025 and set our sights on 2026 and beyond, we’re energized by the opportunities ahead to bring the Go Auto experience to even more customers.

“While this marks a major milestone in our growth journey, we’re not done yet. Stay tuned for more to come before the year ends.”