Automotive Acquisitions in Illinois

Murgado Automotive Group has acquired Toyota of Lincoln Park, a Chicago-area Toyota dealership formerly owned by AutoCanada’s U.S. subsidiary Leader Automotive Group. Haig Partners served as exclusive sell-side advisor on the transaction, which represents a local-market expansion for Murgado and a divestiture by AutoCanada/Leader Automotive Group.

Club Car Wash has acquired the single-site Matt's Carwash at 1165 S. Illinois Route 31 in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The location is being renovated and will reopen as a Club Car Wash in February, expanding Club Car Wash's presence in Illinois and adding to its nationwide network.

Bertram Capital has made an investment in Left Lane Auto, a Champaign, Illinois–headquartered tire retail and automotive-service platform operating more than 75 locations across 18 states. Terms were not disclosed; Bertram will partner with Left Lane’s management to accelerate growth, invest in technology through Bertram Labs, and support continued acquisitions to build a national platform.

Aetna Truck Parts has acquired Douglas Truck Parts, combining two Chicago-based truck-parts firms. The deal will expand Aetna’s inventory, distribution network and service capabilities to improve product availability and support for commercial-truck customers.

AutoNation, Inc. acquired Mercedes-Benz of Chicago and Fletcher Jones Audi (including related real estate) from Fletcher Jones Automotive Group, closing on Sept. 15. The purchase expands AutoNation's metro Chicago footprint to nine dealerships (including three Mercedes-Benz and two Audi locations); The Presidio Group served as exclusive advisor to AutoNation.

Zeigler Auto Group has acquired Ferrari Lake Forest from the Mancuso family, with the ownership transfer and banner change effective May 16, 2025. The Kalamazoo-based dealer group said it will retain existing personnel and continue to build on the dealership's legacy as part of its ultra-luxury and high-performance automotive portfolio.

Patriot Motors, a family-owned dealership group led by Shawn Kohli, has acquired Phillips Hyundai of Bradley in Bourbonnais, Illinois from Phillips Auto Group (Curtis Pascarella). The store will be renamed Patriot Hyundai of Bradley and relocated to William R Latham Senior Drive; Performance Brokerage Services served as the exclusive sell-side advisor. The divestiture allows Phillips Auto Group to focus on its Chevrolet operations.

Funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle acquired Worldpac, Inc. from Advance Auto Parts for $1.5 billion in cash. Worldpac — a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts with more than 100 facilities and over 5,000 employees — generated roughly $2.1 billion of revenue and ~$100 million of EBITDA over the last twelve months; Carlyle intends to operate Worldpac as an independent, growth-focused company.

Stinger, a Clearwater, Florida-based designer and manufacturer of vehicle aftermarket solutions, has acquired the assets of Race Sport Lighting, a U.S. LED automotive and powersports lighting brand. The acquisition will integrate Race Sport Lighting's product portfolio into Stinger’s lighting, infotainment and safety offerings to expand capabilities and broaden aftermarket and commercial vehicle lighting solutions.

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) has acquired Motor Parts & Equipment Corporation (MPEC), the largest independent owner of NAPA Auto Parts stores in the U.S. The acquisition, effective April 30, 2024, adds 181 NAPA locations across six Midwest states and expands GPC’s retail footprint in priority markets.

The Zabel Companies announced a platform investment in SVI International, a DeKalb, Illinois-based supplier of aftermarket repair parts and accessories for automotive lifts, shop equipment, and other specialty applications. Zabel said it will support SVI's product portfolio expansion and growth objectives while partnering with management to accelerate the company's next phase of growth.

Firmament has made a strategic/growth investment in Sparkle Express Car Wash Group, a Chicago-headquartered membership-based express car wash platform formed from 19 unit acquisitions across Georgia, South Carolina and Illinois. The capital will be used to optimize operations, support continued expansion in existing markets and enter new adjacent geographies while leveraging Firmament's network and deal-sourcing capabilities.

Fenix Parent LLC (operating as Fenix Parts) has completed the acquisition of the assets of Neal Auto Parts in Peoria, Illinois. The deal is an add-on to Fenix's Midwest footprint as the Stellex Capital-backed platform continues regional expansion of its auto recycling and used OEM parts operations.

Fenix Parent LLC (operating as Fenix Parts) completed the acquisition of the assets of Stafford's Auto Parts in Montgomery, Illinois. The deal expands Fenix's Midwest footprint — its seventh Midwest acquisition — and adds distribution access to the Chicago market; Fenix is backed by private equity firm Stellex Capital Management LLC.

Multi Parts (MPS), a developer and provider of vehicle aftermarket parts, has acquired American Chrome Company (ACC), a Bolingbrook, Illinois-based supplier of chrome wheel accessories and components for heavy‑duty trucks. The deal, completed with sponsorship from private equity firm Radial Equity Partners, positions MPS to accelerate growth in the heavy‑duty truck and trailer channel and expand product and manufacturing capabilities.

Charger Investment Partners’ portfolio company, The Aeromotive Group, has merged with Illinois-based Roadster Shop to combine aftermarket chassis, suspension and custom-build capabilities with The Aeromotive Group's portfolio of performance brands. Financial terms were not disclosed; Roadster Shop co-founders Jeremy and Phil Gerber will remain involved as the combined business pursues product innovation and accelerated growth backed by Charger’s capital and operational support.

Castle Automotive Group has acquired Pugi Auto Group, a Downers Grove, Illinois-based dealer group, adding Hyundai, Genesis, Mazda and Volkswagen franchises and expanding Castle's presence in the greater Chicago area. The transaction increases Castle's dealership count and brings Pugi's team into Castle as Dominic Pugliani retires.

ZIPS Car Wash has acquired Jet Brite Car Wash, an 11-location express tunnel car wash chain based in the Chicago area (including three sites under development), marking ZIPS’ entry into the Chicagoland market and further expanding its Midwest footprint. The deal also gives ZIPS access to the Shadow Car Wash equipment line (formerly Jet Brite Systems) and increases ZIPS’ nationwide network to nearly 275 locations across its brands.

Clearlake Capital Group acquired Crash Champions from A&M Capital Opportunities and provided growth capital to support a strategic combination with Service King Collision. A minority roll/continuation investment came from A&M Capital Strategic Investments Fund; the combined company will operate over 550 locations across 35 states and the District of Columbia under the Crash Champions banner. Terms were not disclosed.

Peterson Partners (referred to in some reports as Peterson Private Equity) has invested in WashU, a Chicago-area car wash operator headquartered in Plainfield, Illinois. The capital will fund WashU’s expansion into new markets and the development and acquisition of additional express car wash locations while the existing management team remains in place.

Automotive Keys Group (AKG), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, acquired Midwest Keyless, a Spring Grove, Illinois-based remanufacturer and distributor of replacement OEM and aftermarket keyless entry remotes, keys and locksmith equipment. The add-on acquisition expands AKG's presence in the wholesale and locksmith sales channels and brings Midwest Keyless's procurement capabilities, technical support and training resources into the AKG platform. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Kinderhook Industries recapitalized Buffalo Group, partnering with management to form Automotive Keys Group (AKG), a platform for consolidation in the automotive keys aftermarket. Kinderhook added experienced industry operators to AKG's board and secured debt financing from Ares and Regions Bank; financial terms were not disclosed.

TRATON SE agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Navistar International Corporation not already owned by TRATON for USD 44.50 per share in cash, building on a prior strategic alliance. The transaction, financed in part by Volkswagen Group, is intended to create a global commercial-vehicle leader by combining TRATON's strength in Europe and South America with Navistar's North American footprint.

Highline Aftermarket, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, has agreed to acquire the assets of Plews & Edelmann's Retail segment ("Plews Retail"). The acquisition adds the Amflo, Lubrimatic, and Tru‑Flate brands and Plews Retail employees to Highline's national distribution and private‑label capabilities, expanding its product portfolio and supporting continued organic and acquisition growth.

Huron Capital’s auction and remarketing platform, XLerate Group, has acquired Morton Auto Auction from the Krupa family in an add-on deal that expands XLerate’s Midwest footprint. Morton Auto Auction — founded in 1978 and employing over 100 full- and part-time staff — will remain led by existing operators while gaining XLerate’s digital and operational resources to drive additional volume.