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]

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]

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

Rapidly growing auto parts distributor aggressively targeting a defined and underserved customer. Utilizing an unconventional approach to distribution, they provide a compelling value proposition and unmatched service combined with a highly efficient operational model.

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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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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.

CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER

Looking for established chemical companies for our client, CRC Chemicals. CRC’s requirements are branded chemicals with existing distribution in automotive, marine, powersports and industrial markets. Our client has a high interest in environmentally friendly or other low impact chemical technology. Manufacturing and blending capabilities are desired and there is no firm geographic preference.

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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.

DISTRIBUTION & LIGHT MANUFACTURING

Automotive aftermarket specialty distribution company with light manufacturing is looking for acquisition candidates that manufacture and/or distribute lubes, greases, oils, adhesives and sealants, diesel and gas additives, as well as specialty and limited hard parts for service and repair shops. Strong distribution network strategically located throughout North America provides ideal platform for complementary products and entry into new categories.

Learn more

deals

DEALS

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merger

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consulting

CONSULTING

150x80 APE

150x46 Audax

150x46 Betts

CRC

150x46 Betts

150x46 CT Drives

150x46 Deeza

150x46 Enerpulse

Hedman

150x46 Highline

150x46 IMR

150x46 Marubeni

150x46 Venchurs

Trans Dapt

150x46 Venchurs

150x46 VIPARHD

news

NEWS

HMA in Motorsports: Race Report

Sticky PostOn June 22, 2020

Read about the ups and downs of the opening race weekend with the season, the first stop along the path towards the 2020 National Championship Runoffs.

Used Car Prices Rally in Late May

Sticky PostOn June 2, 2020

There’s understandable concern over changing consumer habits in the post-COVID 19 environment. Learn more about how wholesale used car values performed in May.

HMA in Motorsports

Sticky PostOn May 26, 2020

Hart Marx Advisors is more than just the automotive experts, we are active participants. Learn about HMA’s involvement in the 2020 SCCA National Road Racing Championship.

RESOURCES

HMA Buy-side Search Services & Successes

Sticky PostOn June 22, 2020

HMA has a long and successful history working with some of the largest companies and Private Equity firms to lead their acquisition search initiative. Read more about our Buy-side process and our successes.

M&A Lifecycle Phase 1, Pre-Deal Preparation

Sticky PostOn June 1, 2020

Before leaving on a journey it’s always useful to have a map to navigate your way from where you are to where you want to go. Hart Marx Advisors has identified five phases of the lifecycle of a merger, acquisition, or divestiture. Learn about Phase 1: Pre-Deal Preparation.

Responses & Resources: Planning Your Way Forward

Sticky PostOn April 6, 2020

How can you best manage the current situation and plan for the future? Learn about the three most common actions that HMA is being asked about in response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation.

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.

What’s in the Latest HMA Advantage Newsletter

Sticky PostOn June 3, 2020

Never has it been more apparent that the rate of change is increasing. Each day delivers new challenges, and new opportunities. Learn about HMA’s perspective by reading the latest edition of the HMA Advantage.

The Partner’s Notebook: Tom Marx

Sticky PostOn June 1, 2020

The past 90 days have changed the M&A environment profoundly. Read our view of the changes, challenges, and opportunities as we apply the lessons of the last few months in an attempt to anticipate the next year of changes for the industry and our clients.

The New HMA Advantage is Out!

Sticky PostOn April 8, 2020

The latest issue of the HMA Advantage newsletter is out, containing insights into the current M&A and automotive markets. Did you get your copy?

INVOLVEMENT

We are more than mergers and acquisitions. We live and breathe the aftermarket, sharing our expertise to grow and strengthen the industry. Our extensive relationships with influencers, leaders, and associations give Hart Marx Advisors exclusive access to industry news, events, and trends. Our team is deeply involved in numerous organizations including the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Automotive Communications Council (ACC), Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) and AASA’s annual Vision Conference and more.