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Expert advice for selling your automotive business

Strategic insight across the Australian automotive market

The Australian automotive sector continues to evolve as electric vehicle (EV) demand accelerates, Chinese brands gain market share and used car volumes remain strong. Nash Advisory helps automotive business owners navigate these market dynamics and achieve successful sale outcomes.

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Australian automotive market overview and growth outlook

The Australian automotive industry remains resilient with a strong long-term tailwind. The sector historically contributes between 1.3% and 2.2% of annual GDP. Reports show that record volumes were achieved in 2024, with over 1.2 million new and 2.3 million used vehicles sold.

Electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, with EVs representing more than 12% of total new car sales in 2025. M&A activity remains active across retail, parts, tools, and EV infrastructure.

  • Australia’s average vehicle age has reached 11.2 years, increasing breakdown risk and supporting steady servicing and repair demand.
  • Parts and accessories generated $7.1B in 2024 and is forecast to reach $7.8B by 2030.
  • Over 60 OEM brands now operate in Australia, with Chinese manufacturers expected to reach ~20% market share.
  • Median forward enterprise value to EBITDA multiples sit around 6.5x for parts businesses and 7.5x for automotive retail.

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“Exciting opportunities are arising in the automotive industry as the landscape changes and adapts to innovative initiatives and technological advancements. These include emissions reduction strategies, alternative fuel adoption, advancements in connected technologies and the implementation of predictive maintenance solutions. Annual vehicle sales volumes continue to reach new highs, with used car transactions consistently exceeding two million. The average age of Australian vehicles continues to rise and this is providing a powerful tailwind for industry sectors including parts, manufacturing, retail, vehicle repairs, and maintenance.”
Paul Nemets
Paul Nemets
Director

MID-MARKET AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALISTS

Maximise value in complex automotive transactions

Nash Advisory supports automotive business owners, investors and corporates through sales, mergers and acquisitions. We combine sector insight with hands-on, senior-led execution to structure transactions, manage competitive tension and deliver premium outcomes in the mid-market.

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total enterprise value transacted
$
1.9
bn+
Total enterprise value transacted
Enterprise value in FY22
$
400
m+
Enterprise value in FY25
successful deals completed
63
Successful deals completed
Private equity bolt-on deals
25
Private equity bolt-on deals
Valued team members
22
Team members
Completed transactions per year
15
+
Completed transactions per year

Current automotive industry insight across Australia

The Australian automotive sector continues to adapt to shifting market conditions, evolving buyer demand and intensifying competition. Dealer networks are responding to new OEM entrants and expanding online listing platforms as vehicle purchase behaviour changes.

Supply chain volatility has eased, improving availability and supporting steadier monthly sales activity, although pricing pressure remains. Government policy and EV incentives are reshaping the automotive landscape. For owners considering an exit, understanding revenue drivers, stock turnover, and sector demand is critical to maximising value.

Key factors affecting valuation

  • Recurring servicing revenue: Consistent servicing and maintenance income provides predictable cash flow and strengthens buyer confidence.
  • Balanced vehicle sales mix: Diversified exposure across new and used vehicle sales reduces earnings volatility and supports stronger valuations.
  • Operational performance: Strong unit turnover, disciplined inventory management and consistent monthly sales demonstrate operational capability to buyers.
  • Digital sales capability: Investment in online listing platforms, digital sales channels and customer data systems expands buyer reach and protects margins.
  • Future-focused service offering: Businesses positioned in EV servicing, charging infrastructure, or high-growth parts categories benefit from long-term industry growth.

Client case studies 

Our case studies demonstrate how structured sale processes, competitive tension and targeted buyer outreach can maximise enterprise value and deliver certainty at completion.

What clients say about our services

Working with Nash was an absolute pleasure. They were at all times completely responsible and accountable to everything that we needed. Their strong financial acumen was incredibly important throughout the whole process. It was really important that they were able to truly articulate the value of the business in its current state and also look and really delve into the potential future alternate uses for the business…We were really happy with the interest that Nash generated. So we had multiple seriously interested parties, which created that competitive tension that you really need in a deal and was able to achieve the outcome that we wanted and that we expected.

Fiona Selby
Managing Director of Boneo Park
Map of global buyers

Global Capabilities

Unlock a world of possibilities with Nash Advisory's global capabilities. Through our partnership with REACH, we provide unparalleled access to industry experts and local market connoisseurs across 30 countries.

Whether you're selling your business, merging, or seeking investment, our team of seasoned professionals crafts bespoke strategies tailored to your unique needs. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the global market, ensuring you achieve exceptional outcomes that reflect the true value of your hard work and dedication.

Global capabilities

The Nash Advisory advantage

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Our scope of advisory services

View all services

We provide end-to-end corporate advisory across sales, acquisitions, valuations and capital raising. Our senior-led team supports automotive business owners through every stage of the transaction process.

Selling a business

We provide expert guidance to help you prepare, market, and negotiate the best outcome for your business sale.

See how we do it

Business valuations

Our team delivers accurate, data-driven valuations to help you understand and enhance your business’s worth.

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Business mergers & acquisitions

Our proprietary approach to business sales ensure you get the highest possible sale multiple for your business.

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Sample toolkit

Our blueprint for a successful business sale 

Download our proven roadmap for executing a successful business sale. Access real transaction documents and see how our structured, end-to-end process maximises value and reduces risk.

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Completed automotive transactions 

Our completed deals demonstrate experience across dealerships, motor services, EV infrastructure and parts businesses, supporting sellers and acquirers with disciplined execution.

Logo of RIX Group
Completed deal:

RIX Group

Date:
October 7, 2024
Transaction type:
Selling a business
Sub sector:
Industrial

The RIX Group of Companies is Australia’s largest specialist geotechnical engineering contractor, employing over 400 staff across three businesses: RIX Specialist Contracting, RIX Asset Maintenance and RIX Ground Engineering.

The RIX Group of Companies engaged Nash Advisory to conduct a global sale process. Following a comprehensive marketing campaign, The Group was sold to Italian based tunnelling experts, Ghella.

The transaction involved nine entities, three operating businesses, a substantial asset base, property holdings and licensing agreements – a complex transaction successfully completed end-to-end by Nash Advisory.

The transaction was led by Tom Butler and Sean O'Neill.

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Logo of Red Earth Engineering
Completed deal:

Red Earth Engineering

Date:
November 30, 2022
Transaction type:
Selling a business
Sub sector:
Environmental Services / Geotechnical Engineering

Red Earth Engineering is a leading geotechnical and environmental services firm specialising in tailings dam engineering. With offices in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth, Red Earth is one of Australia’s largest geotechnical engineering firms dedicated specifically to tailings dams.

Nash Advisory completed a global buyer search, ultimately proceeding with USA based Geosyntec Consultants following a competitive, yet discreet sale process.

The transaction was led by Tom Butler and Kieran Ellis, with support from legal advisors Hayden Bateman and Adam Rich from Wisewould Mahony.

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Logo of Total Drain Group
Completed deal:

Total Drain Group

Date:
August 28, 2020
Transaction type:
Selling a business
Sub sector:
Waste recycling services

Total Drain Group, a leading Australian provider of stormwater maintenance and liquid waste recycling services, engaged Nash Advisory to facilitate a partial divestment of the business and identify a strategic partner to drive accelerated growth over the next 3 – 5years.

The Nash Advisory team created a 4 year, 3-way financial model to forecast monthly performance to FY23 and crafted a comprehensive Information Memorandum. After engaging with multiple prospective buyers, offers were received from a number of leading Australian Private Equity firms. An extensive diligence process, conducted across 2 states in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown, resulted in the Share Sale contract being executed in July 2020.

Led by Sean O’Neill, Lucas Couper, Jonathan Hoe and Paul Nemets, the sale was successfully executed in August 2020.

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Considering selling your automotive business?

Speak with our experienced directors to understand market conditions, buyer appetite and the strategic steps required to achieve a premium transaction outcome.

Experienced advisors across the automotive sector

With decades of combined corporate finance and automotive transaction experience, our team works directly with clients to structure, negotiate and complete complex mid-market deals.

Our nationwide reach

Nash Advisory operates nationally, supporting automotive clients across Australia with sector-led expertise rather than location-based allocation. Our directors are appointed based on industry experience.

Our international partner network provides access to qualified offshore buyers and private equity groups.

Latest market insights and transaction research

Explore our latest reports, sector research and transaction analysis covering market trends, buyer demand and valuation drivers across Australia.

Follow Nash Advisory on LinkedIn for market insights

Stay informed with regular updates on automotive market trends, transaction activity and sector research, shared directly by our senior advisory team.

Frequently asked questions

How much is my automotive business worth?

Business valuation depends on revenue quality, customer concentration, supplier relationships and operational capability. Buyers assess EBITDA, inventory management, margin stability and exposure to growth areas. Market demand, recent transaction activity and comparable sales data also influence multiples.

How do I sell an automotive business?

Selling requires preparation, accurate financial reporting and a structured sale process. We assess performance, prepare transaction materials, approach qualified buyers and manage negotiations to create competitive tension. Early preparation helps strengthen positioning and supports a better outcome.

How long does an automotive business sale take?

Most mid-market automotive transactions take nine to twelve months from preparation to completion. Timelines depend on business complexity, buyer demand and negotiation dynamics. A structured process helps maintain momentum and reduce deal risk.

What drives value in an automotive parts or aftermarket business?

Value is influenced by product mix, supplier relationships, brand strength and distribution capability. Strong recurring revenue, disciplined inventory management and diversified customer channels increase buyer confidence. Exposure to high-growth categories such as 4x4 accessories, EV components or specialist aftermarket products can further support premium valuations.

Are automotive businesses attractive to private equity?

Yes. Automotive retail, service, and parts businesses offer recurring revenue and strong cash flow. Private equity investors assess scalability, management capability, and exposure to structural industry growth, such as EV servicing or digital sales platforms, before committing capital. Trade buyers also actively acquire to consolidate market share, expand new product lines or enter new geographies.

How is EV growth affecting automotive valuations?

EV adoption is reshaping service requirements, tooling investment and long-term revenue models. Businesses positioned for EV diagnostics, battery servicing, or charging infrastructure often benefit from positive growth expectations and stronger forward-demand assumptions.

When is the right time to sell an automotive business?

Timing depends on financial performance, sector demand and buyer confidence. Periods of revenue growth, stable margins and strong transaction activity generally produce stronger valuation outcomes.

What information do buyers review during due diligence?

Buyers examine financial statements, revenue trends, supplier agreements, customer concentration and stock management. They also assess lease terms, employment contracts and compliance with industry regulation before completing a purchase.

Speak with our automotive advisory team

Let’s discuss your exit strategy, market positioning and valuation expectations with experienced advisors who understand the automotive sector.

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