Driving the news: Tom Dinsdale sold his three-dealership automotive group in central Nebraska to The Rydell Company, marking the family's exit from automotive retail after two decades.

For context: The transaction included Tom Dinsdale Chevrolet Cadillac GMC and Tom Dinsdale Hyundai in Grand Island, plus Tom Dinsdale CDJR in Hastings. 

  • At 70,000 square feet, the GM dealership is one of the largest GM facilities in the world.

  • It also includes the only Cadillac franchise between Omaha and Denver, according to deal advisors Haig Partners.

Why it matters: While dealership profits have declined from peak levels, Haig Partners' John Davis notes that "valuations remain high and many dealers are choosing to sell to capitalize on still-high dealership values." For multi-generational operations like the Dinsdales, the math is increasingly compelling—exit now while market conditions favor sellers.

What we're watching: The sale reflects improving M&A conditions as buyers and sellers "get off the sidelines" after tariff concerns eased, said Davis. The Rydell Company, which operates over 80 dealerships across 17 states under a partnership model rather than common ownership, provides opportunities for partners to acquire ownership stakes.

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