Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Van Tuyl Group announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire the Van Tuyl Group, the nation’s largest privately-owned auto dealership group and fifth-ranking U.S. auto dealership group overall.
After becoming a part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of businesses, the company will be known
as Berkshire Hathaway Automotive. Berkshire Hathaway Automotive will continue to be led by
Larry Van Tuyl, who will become chairman, and Jeff Rachor, who will assume the role of CEO, as well as its experienced senior management team. Berkshire Hathaway Automotive will be headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
”The Van Tuyl Group fits perfectly into Berkshire Hathaway from both a financial and cultural
viewpoint,” said Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman and CEO. “Larry Van Tuyl, along with his father, Cecil, spent decades building outstanding dealerships operated by local partners. In recent years, he has shared management with Jeff Rachor, a seasoned auto retailer who will retain a financial interest in all dealerships. The Van Tuyl Group enjoys excellent relations with the major auto manufacturers and delivers unusually high volumes at its 78 locations. This is just the beginning for Berkshire Hathaway Automotive.”
Added Larry Van Tuyl, current CEO of the Van Tuyl Group, “We are proud of all that has been accomplished with the support of our dealer partners, our employees and the manufacturers that we represent. We are very pleased to have one of the world’s most respected companies, Berkshire Hathaway, assume ownership of our company with the commitment to preserving our unique culture, business model and philosophy. I cannot think of a better steward to continue the legacy of what my father and I have built over the last 62 years, and I am confident this transaction will position the company on a course of continued success.”
The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015 and is subject to obtaining
approvals from the major auto manufacturers as well as certain customary closing conditions,
including various regulatory approvals.
More information:
Van Tuyl Group
