Transactions Include the Sale of Hello Subaru of Valencia, Hello Kia of Valencia, and Hello Mazda of Valencia in the Valencia Auto Mall
Haig Partners LLC, a leading buy-sell advisory firm to auto retailers in the United States, served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Hello Auto Group on the sale of its Santa Clarita platform located in the Valencia Auto Mall, consisting of Hello Subaru of Valencia, Hello Kia of Valencia, and Hello Mazda of Valencia.
The transactions represent a strategic repositioning by Hello Auto Group as it continues to optimize its portfolio and focus on long-term growth initiatives. Haig Partners advised the company and its Board of Directors throughout a coordinated, multi-transaction process.
Hello Subaru of Valencia was acquired by Jerry Seiner Dealerships, an established and expanding dealership group with operations across the Western United States. Hello Mazda of Valencia and Hello Kia of Valencia were acquired by Ghreiwati Auto Group, a diversified operator with an established presence in Southern California.
California continues to attract significant interest from sophisticated buyers, both domestic and international. Demand has been supported by improving regulatory clarity, including developments related to CARB, as well as the state’s position as the largest automotive market in the United States and one of the largest economies globally. Continued economic strength, supported in part by growth in AI and technology, has reinforced buyer confidence and transaction activity. Buyers who have invested in California in prior cycles are benefiting today, and sellers entering the market are well positioned to achieve strong outcomes.
“It was a privilege to represent Hello Auto Group and its Board in this strategic divestiture,” said Jayson Crouch, Managing Director at Haig Partners. “We brought the assets to market during a dynamic period for buy-sell activity in California, and as clarity improved around CARB and broader industry factors, including tariffs, buyer demand and valuations strengthened meaningfully.
We ran a disciplined, competitive process with a broad group of sophisticated buyers across the country. By maintaining control of the process and aligning timing with market conditions, we maximized competitive tension and delivered an outcome that reflected the full value of the assets and exceeded our client’s expectations.”
“Alan Haig, Jayson Crouch and the Haig Partners team did a fantastic job representing the interests of all board members and securing an excellent outcome,” said Paul Walser, Partner and Board Member of Hello Auto Group and Partner of Walser Automotive Group. “They ran a confidential and disciplined process, executed every step with professionalism and maintained alignment across a complex group of stakeholders. They never overpromised but delivered a result that reflected the strength of the business while maintaining transparency and integrity throughout.”
“Alan Haig and Jayson Crouch ran a complete process for us as we divested the Santa Clarita platform and repositioned the company for the future,” said Pat Denzer, Partner and Board Member of Hello Auto Group. “They were trusted advisors who kept us informed throughout the process and ultimately delivered an outcome that exceeded shareholder expectations.”
“I would like to thank Jayson Crouch, Alan Haig, and the entire team at Haig Partners for their hard work and professionalism in completing the transactions involving our stores in Valencia, California,” said Karl Schmidt, President of Hello Auto Group. “The process was completed in three segments with two buyers as part of the divestiture of our Valencia platform. The team ran a thorough and disciplined process that generated strong interest and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. They were professional, detailed, responsive, and respectful of all parties’ interests throughout.”
Dealers interested in learning more about buying or selling a dealership in California should contact Jayson Crouch, Managing Director at Haig Partners, at Jayson@HaigPartners.com.
