Fresno, California, witnessed a significant shift in its automotive landscape with the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of Fresno. The Presidio Group LLC, a prominent merchant banking firm specializing in automotive retail, acted as the exclusive advisor to Scott Biehl in the sale of his Mercedes-Benz dealership to Alpha Auto Group (AAG). This acquisition marks AAG’s first foray into the California market and notably, their first Mercedes-Benz franchise, adding to their already diverse portfolio of dealerships across North America.
For Scott Biehl, the dealer principal of Mercedes-Benz of Fresno, finding the right buyer was paramount. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for his team in Fresno. “Knowing The Presidio Group would lead this effort put everyone at ease,” Biehl stated. He lauded Presidio’s expertise and professionalism, highlighting their success in achieving all his goals for the sale. Biehl expressed confidence that the commitment to both employees and the Fresno community would continue seamlessly under the new ownership of AAG.
Alpha Auto Group’s acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of Fresno signals a strategic expansion. The group expressed enthusiasm for incorporating the Mercedes-Benz brand and entering the California market, recognizing its dynamic automotive sector. California’s market share for Mercedes-Benz has shown growth, reaching 4.2 percent of new vehicles sold through June 2022, up from 3.9 percent in the previous year, according to the California New Car Dealers Association. AAG conveyed their commitment to maintaining the high standards established by Scott Biehl and his team at Mercedes-Benz of Fresno. This acquisition is viewed by AAG as a crucial building block for their continued growth and strategic market presence.
George Karolis, President and Partner at Presidio, highlighted the firm’s client-centric approach, emphasizing their understanding of client goals as a key reason for repeat business. He noted the established relationship with Scott Biehl and expressed confidence that the pairing of Biehl and AAG would be mutually beneficial. Brodie Cobb, Founder and CEO of The Presidio Group, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the firm’s philosophy of building long-term client relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
The legal aspects of the transaction were handled by Richard Rasmussen of Lagerlof, LLP, representing the seller, and J. Gregory Humphries of Shutts & Bowen, LLP, serving as legal counsel for the buyer. The Presidio Group’s role as the exclusive M&A advisor was facilitated through its investment bank, Presidio Merchant Partners LLC.
Founded in 1998, The Presidio Group has built a strong reputation on prioritizing client interests, completing over 210 transactions totaling more than $14 billion. They are also known for publishing “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” a respected source of insights into the automotive retail landscape and M&A trends. With offices in Denver and Atlanta, The Presidio Group continues to be a key player in the automotive industry. For more information about The Presidio Group, their website is available at www.thepresidiogroup.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Brodie Cobb (720) 844-3151 [email protected]
George Karolis (678) 831-5520 [email protected]
