FOCUS Investment Banking Represents Marsh Automotive Group in its Sale to Serra Automotive
“FOCUS provided expertise and unwavering support throughout the transaction,” commented Jamie Marsh, co-owner of Marsh Automotive Group. “Their approach and strategic insight were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the transaction. We are very happy with the successful outcome and ultimately sold to Serra Automotive because of our shared philosophy.”
Marsh Automotive Group consists of eight new automotive franchises and several ancillary businesses, including a collision center, an independent auto service center, a proprietary brand used car center, and a used vehicle reconditioning and detail center. With a strong commitment to their employees and communities, Marsh has been selling and servicing vehicles for more than 40 years. The Marsh family recognized a strong alignment with the Serra organization in culture and how they did business. Serra Automotive is a leader in the automotive community and ranks 12th in the U.S., according to Automotive News Top 150 Auto Dealers, retailing 38,308 new vehicles in 2022. Founded in 1973, Serra Automotive in 2022 had more than $3.4 billion in revenue. Today, Serra Automotive operates in seven states and employs over 3,000 people. The network includes 61 dealerships, 86 automotive franchises, and 27 brands.
“We’ve known the Marsh brothers and their father for a long time, and it’s amazing how much our DNA is the same,” added Joe Serra, Chairman of Serra Automotive. “Our culture, values, and how we do business is very alike. It’s like a mirror, so I know between my son Matt and I, we’re just humbled and honored to be able to carry on the legacy of the Bill Marsh Auto Group. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we integrate the business and chart a path for mutual growth and success.”
Rick Thomas, FOCUS CEO stated, “It’s rewarding to see a client like Marsh that truly values its people, culture and place in the community be able to transact with a like-minded company like Serra. The result is extremely positive, and we couldn’t be happier for everyone involved.”
*These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients; testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Rick served as Vice President at VSI, a boutique investment banking firm located in Washington, DC. He led M&A activities for publicly and privately held companies in the middle market, several of which have annual revenues in excess of $1 Billion. Rick’s clients were involved in a wide array of transactions; from acquisitions and divestitures to minority interests and strategic partnerships.
In addition to his experience with clients, Rick has lectured to hundreds of senior executives on M&A best practices and has been an adjunct faculty member for The George Washington University School of Business and Public Management. His M&A teachings focused on coaching companies and senior executives in how to build an acquisition team, create a winning strategy, identify and engage not-for-sale companies, streamline company valuation, perform value added due diligence and techniques for financial modeling. Rick has also served as a U.S. representative to South African companies in the capacity of advisor and consultant on business linkages, partnering and financing for small and medium businesses.
He holds an MBA in International Business and Finance from The George Washington University. He earned a BS in Engineering from Michigan State University. After completing an undergraduate program in engineering, Rick spent several years working as a manufacturing engineer and supervisor for General Motors. In this role he was responsible for the quality and productivity of manufacturing teams. In addition to being recognized as an outstanding team leader and team builder, Rick implemented a number of process improvements which enhanced product quality and efficiency at numerous GM production facilities.
