Latest news with #Keyvani
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Kerrigan Advisors Represents Asbury Automotive Group in Sale of Larry H. Miller Ford, Chevrolet and CDJR Dealerships in Provo, Utah to Salt Lake Valley Auto Group
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kerrigan Advisors, the premier sell-side advisor and thought partner to auto dealers nationwide, represented Atlanta-based Asbury Automotive Group ('Asbury') (NYSE: ABG) in the sale of its Larry H. Miller Ford, Chevrolet and CDJR dealerships in Provo, Utah to Salt Lake Valley Auto Group. Asbury Automotive Group is divesting these stores, originally acquired through its notable 2021 acquisition of Larry H. Miller dealerships, as part of its strategy to optimize the group's brand mix. Salt Lake Valley Auto Group, owned by the Keyvani family, is a 4-store Utah dealership group founded in 1983. This transaction brings Kerrigan Advisors' completed dealership sales since 2014 to 294, leading the industry in both the US and the Western Region, with more than 130 franchises sold in the West. 'It was great to work with Kerrigan Advisors again on another successful transaction,' said David Hult, President and CEO of Asbury Automotive Group. 'Erin Kerrigan and her team ensured we found the right buyer for this divestiture, and we appreciated their professional management of the sale process from beginning to end.' 'Kerrigan Advisors was with us through each stage of this transaction,' stated Amanda Parrilli, Vice President of Corporate Development and Real Estate at Asbury Automotive Group. 'Thank you to the entire Kerrigan Advisors team, including Erin Kerrigan and Pierre Dempsey, for their tremendous efforts on this sale.' 'We were honored to represent Asbury Automotive Group in the divestiture of these three dealerships,' said Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors. 'Asbury's approach to portfolio management is a great example of how the buy/sell market continues to evolve, with well-capitalized groups thoughtfully rebalancing their assets to align with long-term growth goals. We're proud to support our clients in executing transactions that advance both their financial and operational objectives. Transactions like this one highlight the continued strength of the buy/sell market, particularly in high growth markets like Utah.' Utah is the second fastest-growing state in the West, with projected growth of nearly one million new residents over the next 15 years. The state economy has more than doubled over the past two decades, earning national recognition for sustained growth and economic vitality, ranking #1 Best Economic Outlook by Rich States, Poor States for the 16 th year in a row. Utah is also a high-volume auto retail market, with vehicle sales up 29% since 2020 and average dealership revenue per rooftop exceeding the NADA average by 17%. Situated 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, Provo stands out as the state's fastest-growing market, with high car ownership per household, strong median incomes and a thriving job market. The area has witnessed impressive GDP expansion of 70+% since 2017, reaching $45 billion in 2023. Provo also ranks as the #1 mid-size metro in the US based on projected population growth through 2028. 'Buyers are increasingly focused on high-growth markets, and Utah stands out as one of the most attractive states for automotive retail investment,' said Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors. 'With strong population growth, a resilient economy and rising vehicle demand, it is no surprise that opportunities like this are in high demand. We are seeing more regional buyers prioritize tuck-in acquisitions like this one to strengthen their market share, create operational efficiencies, and build scale in markets where they see long-term growth potential.' Kevin H. Sutton, shareholder at Hill Ward Henderson, served as outside legal counsel to Asbury. Jill K. Bell and S. Katherine Frazier of Hill Ward Henderson provided legal counsel to Asbury on real estate matters. Stephen Dietrich and Brooke Sizer of Holland & Knight LLP served as legal counsel to the Keyvani family. About Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, Ga., is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. In late 2020, Asbury embarked on a multiyear plan to increase revenue and profitability strategically through organic operations, acquisitive growth and innovative technologies, with its guest-centric approach as Asbury's constant North Star. As of March 31, 2025, Asbury operated 150 new-vehicle dealerships, consisting of 196 franchises and representing 31 domestic and foreign brands of vehicles. Asbury also operates Total Care Auto, powered by Landcar, a leading provider of service contracts and other vehicle protection products, and 37 collision repair centers. Asbury offers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; parts and service, which includes vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts and collision repair services; and finance and insurance products and services, including arranging vehicle financing through third parties and aftermarket products such as extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection debt cancellation and prepaid maintenance plans. Asbury is recognized as one of America's Fastest Growing Companies 2024 by the Financial Times, and the company is listed in World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2024 by Newsweek. For additional information, visit About Kerrigan Advisors Kerrigan Advisors is the leading sell-side advisor and thought partner to auto dealers nationwide. Since its founding in 2014, the firm has led the industry with the sale of over 290 dealerships generating more than $9 billion in client proceeds, including two of the largest transactions in auto retail history – the sale of Jim Koons Automotive Companies to Asbury Automotive Group and Leith Automotive to Holman. The firm advises the industry's leading dealership groups, enhancing value through the lifecycle of growing, operating and, when the time is right, selling their businesses. Led by a team of veteran industry experts with backgrounds in investment banking, private equity, accounting, finance and real estate, Kerrigan Advisors is the only firm in auto retail exclusively dedicated to sell-side advisory, providing its clients with the assurance of a conflict-free approach. Kerrigan Advisors monitors conditions in the buy/sell market and publishes an in-depth analysis each quarter in The Blue Sky Report®, which includes Kerrigan Advisors' signature blue sky charts, multiples and analysis for each franchise in the luxury and non-luxury segments. To download a preview of the report, click here. The firm also releases monthly The Kerrigan Index™ composed of the seven publicly traded auto retail companies with operations focused on the US market. The Kerrigan Auto Retail Index is designed to track dealership valuation trends, while also providing key insights into factors influencing auto retail. To access The Kerrigan Index™, click here. To read the 2024 Kerrigan Dealer Survey, click here. To read the 2025 Kerrigan OEM Survey, click here. Kerrigan Advisors also is the co-author of NADA's Guide to Buying and Selling a Dealership.
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Still in disbelief': Fort Erie student brings home gold medal from national skills competition
A Greater Fort Erie Secondary School student has earned national recognition for her culinary skills, flipping her way to gold at one of Canada's most recognized skills competitions. Autumn Wartman, a Grade 12 culinary student at GFESS, won first place in the job skills demonstration category at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Sask., with a polished and practised crepe-making demonstration. Wartman — who serves as kitchen manager at The Pomegranate, the school's student-run restaurant — has spent the past year refining her demonstration as part of her training in the school's culinary arts program. 'I feel absolutely amazing. Even though it has been a few days since I won (the) national gold medal, I'm still in disbelief,' she said. 'I have worked for this competition for over two years. It feels so rewarding to see how my hard work, my commitment to the process has paid off.' It was Wartman's second year competing nationally, last year earning a bronze medal in the same category. Behind her success is a consistent training routine. From September through May, Wartman practised her demonstration every other week under the guidance of her culinary teacher, Afshin Keyvani. She also leaned heavily on family and friends for support and feedback. 'They have watched my demonstration dozens of times, providing me with constructive criticism and supporting me every step of the way,' she said. 'My teacher Mr. Keyvani, my family and my friends have been incredible throughout this experience.' Keyvani, who has taught with the District School Board of Niagara for more than two decades, said Wartman's victory reflects both her personal dedication and the strength of the school's skills programs. 'My students have dominated in this particular challenge in the last three years,' Keyvani said. '(They've) won gold in the last three years at (Skills Ontario).' Wartman's win was also the only medal brought back to Niagara from this year's national competition, where hundreds of students from across the country competed in skilled trades and technology categories. Wartman plans to continue her passion for pastry at Niagara College this fall. She said her experience with Skills Canada has helped shape not only her skills, but her confidence in her future career. 'Looking back at these past (few) months, I am very proud of how far I have come,' she said. 'This experience has changed my life.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Cooking with heart: Fort Erie students help honour Community Living volunteers
Community Living Fort Erie celebrated its volunteers recently with a special dinner cooked up by the students at Pomegranate Restaurant located inside Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). Held April 30 as part of Community Living Month, the volunteer appreciation night honoured volunteers for their time, commitment and impact on local programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities. The three-course dinner was prepared and served by students under the guidance of culinary teacher, Afshin Keyvani. Community Living board of directors chair Betty Talbot, kicked off the event by thanking the many volunteers who fill roles ranging from e-gaming and administrative work, to leisure buddy programs and fundraising. 'What you do matters more than you know,' she said. 'You may not always see the full ripple effect of your efforts, but let me assure you, you make a big difference.' Margaret Fidler, manager of community development, also took time to honour the short-term and long-term volunteers at the event. 'This kind of teamwork is rare, and it's something I'll always treasure,' Fidler said. 'Your efforts have brought joy to countless families and made a lasting impact on this community, and on me personally.' The evening was planned to celebrate the work of Community Living's volunteers, but also marked the end of an era as the organization bid farewell to Fidler, who is retiring. To close the evening, office administrator Tiyanna Schooley, gave a heartfelt speech to honour Fidler's impact. 'I've been here five months, and what I learned is that this woman seriously, loves, cares and appreciates you guys all so much,' she said. 'She genuinely cares, and I've never seen someone who embodies their career and cares so much about the people she serves.' The dinner, sponsored by Bill Marr of Garrison Automotive Service, was one of many events planned for Community Living Month. On Tuesday, the organization raised its Community Living flag at Fort Erie Town Hall, with Mayor Wayne Redekop in attendance. 'They had a lot of people turn out, it was great,' said Talbot. As plates were cleared and dessert was served, applause filled the room not only for the volunteers, but also for the students that made the dinner possible. Student Harper James said the experience of being part of the culinary program has opened up opportunities she never imagined. 'There's (a lot) of different experiences that I would have never even thought of or known of until I took culinary arts and met a teacher like (Keyvani),' said James, who has participated in the program for three years. James is also involved in Skills Ontario competitions and has been a part of relaunching the school's in-house restaurant, the Pomegranate, which had been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We started (the Pomegranate) again last year after getting back into everything after COVID,' she said. 'Last year was the first year bringing it back to GFESS.' Keyvani, who teaches culinary arts at the school, said the culinary students are often involved in events that serve the broader community, including local fundraisers, school functions, and special dinners like the Community Living dinner. For students like James and her peers, this event was more than just an after school project, it was a chance to contribute to the community and learn by doing. 'It's kind of cool knowing that there are so many different things I get to experience just because I have a teacher that is so involved,' she said.
