Asbury Automotive Group to Acquire Herb Chambers Auto Group for $1.34 Billion
In a significant move, Asbury Automotive Group has completed the acquisition of Herb Chambers Auto Group, adding 33 dealerships, 52 vehicle franchises, and 3 collision centers primarily in the Northeastern U.S. The deal, valued at $1.45 billion, is expected to generate substantial shareholder value and add approximately $3.2 billion in 2024 revenue and 50,000 annual vehicle sales to Asbury’s operations.
The acquisition marks a major expansion for Asbury, particularly in Massachusetts, where it now holds a leading market share. This is Asbury's first retail footprint north of New York, strengthening its presence in the northeast and expanding its range of vehicle offerings.
The deal includes a diverse range of luxury and mass-market brands, providing Asbury with a stronger foothold in the premium and high-end vehicle market. Additionally, the acquisition diversifies Asbury's revenue streams with the inclusion of three collision centers, enhancing its capabilities in services including high-margin work like ADAS calibration.
For Herb Chambers, the deal provides a dignified exit from the business he built over the last 40 years, while ensuring that his legacy will continue under the stewardship of one of the country's largest automotive groups. Despite questions about potential changes to corporate culture and operational structures following the acquisition, Herb Chambers himself will remain involved as a special advisor to Asbury but will step away from day-to-day operations. The Herb Chambers brand, known for its presence in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for over four decades, will retain its identity under the Asbury umbrella.
Asbury plans to integrate the Herb Chambers dealerships into its larger portfolio, aligning them with its digital transformation efforts and focusing on high-end vehicles. The purchase was financed through a combination of a $546.5 million 10-year real estate loan, a $750 million senior credit facility upsizing, and cash reserves.
The acquisition aligns with Asbury’s broader strategy to expand its dealership network and diversify revenue streams, leveraging its strong parts and services business that drives over half its profits. Despite slight revenue and gross profit declines in early 2025, the parts and services segment grew, indicating operational resilience amid market challenges.
The story of Herb Chambers and his auto group is one of success, perseverance, and transformation, and its conclusion paves the way for a new future in the ever-changing world of car sales and service. The sale of Herb Chambers Auto Group to Asbury Automotive Group represents a crucial shift in the evolving automotive retail industry, and the expansion of Asbury's reach into new regions may spark further industry consolidation and prompt other dealership groups to seek similar opportunities.
Sources:
- Business Wire, “Asbury Automotive Group Completes Acquisition of Herb Chambers Dealerships,” July 21, 2025 [1]
- AInvest, “Asbury completes acquisition of Herb Chambers Dealerships,” July 21, 2025 [2]
- AutoBody News, “Asbury Completes $1.45B Herb Chambers Acquisition,” July 24, 2025 [3]
- Morningstar Business Wire, “Asbury Automotive Group Reports Second Quarter Results,” July 29, 2025 [4]
- As the automotive industry continues its digital transformation, e-commerce platforms in Africa are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for technology-driven solutions in logistics and business operations.
- In a parallel development, the sports sector in Africa is also embracing innovation, with some teams experimenting with digital solutions to optimize training and player performance.
- Meanwhile, weather forecasting in the region has improved significantly thanks to advanced technology, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting, thereby boosting agriculture and the market for agricultural products.
- Amid these changes, opportunities abound for businesses seeking to import goods into Africa, particularly those that can leverage their expertise in technology, logistics, and digital services.
- As the continent continues to urbanize and its middle class expands, the market for premium and high-end vehicles is expected to grow exponentially, providing ripe opportunities for automotive groups looking to expand their footprints in Africa.
