Dream Motor Group, co-owned by longtime Alabama football coach Nick Saban and automotive executive Joe Agresti, has expanded its portfolio with the purchase of Toyota of Montgomery and Lexus of Montgomery in Alabama. The transaction, valued at $151 million, was facilitated by Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions and represents a significant expansion for the rapidly growing luxury and performance automotive group.
The official sale has been a long time coming as the Saban acquisition was leaked by ESPN’s Pat McAfee on the College Gameday broadcast earlier this season. At the time McAfee mentioned that Saban would soon have a Toyota location as part of his dealership group.
Who Sold the Dealership to Saban?
The seller, Sutherlin Automotive Group, led by entrepreneur Brett Sutherlin, successfully positioned the dealerships for this high-value sale through a series of operational and strategic improvements. Under Sutherlin’s ownership, both locations underwent significant modernization, including leadership realignment, expanded fixed operations capacity, and a focused effort to improve Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores. These initiatives enhanced the dealerships’ market performance and made them attractive assets for a buyer focused on premium brands and top-tier operations.
“Toyota of Montgomery and Lexus of Montgomery are high-performing assets in a strategically important market,” said Mike Sims, President of Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions. “Brett and his team executed a clear operational transformation and customer experience strategy that positioned these dealerships for sustained success under Dream Motor Group.”
The sale marks the tenth completed transaction between Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions President Mike Sims and Brett Sutherlin.
Nick Saban Expands His Dealership Portfolio
For Dream Motor Group, the acquisition expanded its footprint across the Southeast with high-potential, market-leading dealerships. Known for its operational discipline and a strong presence in the luxury segment with brands like Mercedes-Benz, the group adds two of the industry’s most sought-after franchises, Toyota and Lexus, to its holdings.
Sutherlin Automotive Group, meanwhile, continues its own growth trajectory. “We are extremely proud of the teams at these stores and the results they delivered,” said Brett Sutherlin. He noted that the sale is part of a broader strategy, teasing additional acquisitions that are already under contract and expected to be announced soon.
The $151 million deal underscores the continued strength, and high valuations present in the dealership market, especially for well-run stores representing top-tier franchises. As Saban continues his high-profile investment into car dealerships, the acquisition of these two key Alabama locations solidifies his position as a real player in the Southeast.
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