about

ABOUT

WE ARE

We are a team of specialists with decades of experience handling mergers and acquisitions exclusively in the automotive and heavy-duty trucking industries.

WE DO

We are matchmakers, connecting buyers and sellers of automotive businesses. We craft succession plans for business owners. We are well-connected in our with relationships with manufacturers, distributors, repair shops and private equity firms. We manage mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

WE DELIVER

Our team of automotive experts is an unparalleled resource. We maximize sellers’ value propositions. We help prospective buyers expand. We focus on buying and selling so that you can focus on running your business.

services

OUR SERVICES

Our team has years of automotive, aftermarket, and heavy duty trucking experience and relationships.

SELLERS

Optimizing value as you sell your business requires far more than simply finding a buyer.

BUYERS

Acquisitions are driving the growth strategies of many enterprises.

ADVISORY SERVICES

We provide a full range of advisory services to buyers and sellers, equity investors and lenders active in the transportation industry.
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team

LEADERSHIP

Devin Hart

Managing Partner

Devin Hart has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. He brings a wealth of M&A expertise to the firm. Devin previously served as president and CEO of CADNA Rubber Company, […read more]

Tom Marx, MAAP

Senior Partner

Tom Marx has over 15 years of experience delivering mergers and acquisitions services and a 30 plus year network of relationships in the Automotive and Heavy Duty Aftermarkets. He has experience with most product […read more]

Chris Bovis

Partner

Chris Bovis brings over 20 years of performance, racing and automotive aftermarket industry experience to Hart Marx Advisors focusing on client development and marketing. […read more]

John Nodson

Vice President, Research

John Nodson provides hands-on experience integrating major acquisitions and new businesses, and working with joint venture […read more]

Advisory Board

Each member of our Advisory Board is a well-known industry expert with a career based in the Aftermarket, either running or holding executive-level positions in top companies. Several have also served as industry leaders with trade associations and other Aftermarket organizations.

David Barbeau

Vice President

David Barbeau has led the global aftermarket business for two premier Tier 1 automotive manufacturers […read more]

Chip Carlson

Vice President

As President of the marketing and business development company Cima International LLC, Chip […read more]

Jon Dehne

Vice President

Jon Dehne currently provides consulting services focused on business development opportunities […read more]

Roger Homer

Vice President, Strategic Markets and International

A native of London, England has lived and worked in Europe and North America for major global automotive and industrial manufacturers.
[…read more]

Howard Kesten

Vice President

For 23 years, Howard Kesten has been the Owner/President of APA Search, an executive search firm […read more]

Lou Merz

Vice President

Lou Merz started in the 1960s at Precision Automotive Components Company (PACCO). When Borg Warner […read more]

Rick Rollins

Vice President

Since 1970, Rick Rollins has worked in multiple entities of the automotive aftermarket industry. His career began […read more]

Denise Rondini

Vice President

Denise Rondini is President of Rondini Communications, a company specializing in researching […read more]

current-opportunities

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

BUSINESSES WANTED

Our clients are looking to sell the following companies

Our clients are looking to acquire the following types of companies

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS DISTRIBUTOR

Northern California distributor of import and domestic car parts. Effective mix of commercial and retail sales with highly visible store front/retail space and ample parking and loading docks. Located in desirable geographic area. Loyal customer following with strong brand recognition.
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MINORITY OWNERSHIP INVESTOR

We have a client interested in making a minority ownership investment in the aftermarket. They are looking for targets with a strong management team and a vision to triple sales in five years if they have the backing of a significant and dedicated investor for organic and inorganic growth.

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CUSTOM CAR PARTS SUPPLIER

Fast growing supplier with diverse offering of hot rod and muscle car parts. Outstanding overseas supplier relationships, good brand recognition and exceptionally high margins. Dealer and e-commerce sales. West Coast location with Asia-based supply chain and U.S. engineering team.
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CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER

Respected U.S. based manufacturer of primarily packaged and bulk automotive, heavy duty, marine and industrial chemical products sold through an extensive global distribution network. Looking for small-to-mid size acquisitions to expand current product portfolio or add needed manufacturing/blending facilities. Excellent reputation for building acquired enterprises.

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SOLD – DRIVELINE MANUFACTURER

Midwest-based manufacturer of driveshafts and components, primarily for on and off-highway, industrial, mining, energy and agriculture vehicles and equipment. In-house design and engineering. Customers are small-to-mid-size OEM’s and their suppliers. Highly automated with extremely proficient team and efficient production.

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DISTRIBUTION & LIGHT MANUFACTURING

Looking for traditional distributors with diverse specialty and limited hard parts offering or suppliers/importers of chemicals or repair, service and shop supply products. Strong distribution network strategically located throughout North America provides ideal platform for complementary products and entry into new categories.

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SOLD – EXHAUST SYSTEMS MANUFACTURER

Designer and manufacturer of branded and private label OE replacement catalytic converters, exhaust systems and components; plus performance exhaust systems and headers. Domestic and import cars/light trucks. Southwest location in major market, with efficient R&D and factory.

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deals

DEALS

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merger

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consulting

CONSULTING

150x80 APE

150x46 Audax

150x46 Betts

150x46 CRC

150x46 CT Drives

150x46 Deeza

150x46 Enerpulse

150x46 IMR

150x46 Marubeni

150x46 Venchurs

150x46 VIPARHD

news

NEWS

Impact of Coronavirus on the Automotive Markets

Sticky PostOn February 26, 2020

Information is still emerging on the depth and breadth of the coronavirus or “COVID-19” outbreak. At the time of writing, there’s still conflicting theories regarding origin and overall impact on both individuals and the global markets. The challenge that the coronavirus represents to the automotive industry is complex, especially as the duration of the outbreak drags on.

Understanding Multiples & Positioning Your Business

Sticky PostOn February 24, 2020

So what is a multiple anyway? This term is most often the focus of a small business owner either looking to acquire or sell a business. Since it’s such a common term, most people don’t step back and ask the fundamental questions, specifically what is a multiple and how is it determined?

Hart Marx Advisors Attending AASA Vision Conference

Sticky PostOn February 24, 2020

HMA will be attending the annual AASA Vision Conference in Rosemont, Illinois on March 25 and 26. This conference addresses the emerging trends, technology, and opportunities facing the automotive aftermarket.

RESOURCES

Making the Most of a Sale: Buying and Selling in the Aftermarket

Sticky PostOn August 15, 2018

Executing a mutually beneficial transaction for both buyers and sellers in the aftermarket requires careful preparation and decision-making by each party. Taking the time to understand buying, selling and the M&A landscape will be critical in achieving success.

CAWA 2017: Market Changes & Understanding Your Unique Proposition

Sticky PostOn April 18, 2017

How has aftermarket mergers & acquisitions changed since early 2016? Understand your company's unique proposition and how that will change.

NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY 2016: SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN A CONSOLIDATING WORLD

Sticky PostOn July 20, 2016

Presented by Tom Marx This presentations provides an overview to surviving in a world of mergers or acquisitions. Download Presentation:

The Advantage

Our archives of The Advantage, Hart Marx Advisor’s e-newsletter, has a range of articles on topics related to buying, selling or financing a business. Topical, easy to read and informative, these newsletters are designed to help your company navigate transactions with intelligent mergers and acquisitions strategy. To subscribe to The Advantage please send us your email.

Tom Marx Will Talk About M&A to Northwood Heavy Duty Leadership Professionals

Sticky PostOn June 13, 2017

Appearing for the fifth straight year at the 2017 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership program, Tom Marx will provide insight on consolidation within the aftermarket.

5 Tips For Selling Your Business

Sticky PostOn November 2, 2015

Selling an aftermarket business can be a complicated and time consuming process. There are some things you can do to make it easier and faster. There is no magic formula that ensures you’ll be able to quickly sell your aftermarket company. However, here are a few insider tips that can expedite the process and help you get the best deal possible:

Is Your Business Ready To Be Sold?

Sticky PostOn September 10, 2015

You’ve realized that you want to spend more time with your family, switch careers or retire. In other words, you are ready to sell your business. But before you put up the for sale sign, you have to ask yourself, “Is my business ready to be sold?”

INVOLVEMENT

We go beyond mergers and acquisitions. We live and breathe the aftermarket, sharing our expertise to make the industry stronger. Our connections with key influencers and associations give us exclusive access to important industry news and events. Hart Marx Advisors staff members passionately serve on Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Automotive Communications Council (ACC) and Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA).