Capstone Headwaters, a leading middle market investment banking firm, advised Sun Devil Auto & Sun Auto, an auto repair and maintenance company, on its acquisition by GB Auto Service, Inc., a portfolio company of Greenbriar Equity Group, L.P. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Sun Devil Auto, established in 1978, is a family-owned and operated auto repair and maintenance company. Founded in Arizona, it has since added markets in Austin, Texas and Las Vegas.
“The Capstone team, led by Paul Louie and Yogesh Punjabi, leveraged their sector expertise and deep industry relationships to achieve a tremendous outcome for Sun Devil Auto, despite unprecedented market uncertainty during the COVID pandemic. Through a very customized process, Capstone Headwaters did a terrific job in driving value and striving for an optimal outcome for shareholders as well as our employees,” said Tom Higginbotham, CEO, Sun Devil Auto.
“We are honored to have represented Sun Devil Auto. This transaction symbolizes both the strong outlook and interest in automotive aftermarket services. Through the vision and commitment of Tom Higginbotham, Sun Devil Auto grew to become a highly successful company, with an outstanding organizational culture and exceptional geographic footprint. The combination of Sun Devil Auto and GB Auto will propel the combined organization forward and unlock greater support to its employees and customers,” said Managing Director Paul Louie. “We are proud to have this landmark transaction represent the first closing for our newly formed Vehicle Aftermarket Group, as we continue to serve this exciting sector.”
“We are excited to add to our strategic footprint in these existing markets,” shared GB Auto CEO Frank Kneller. “Sun Devil Auto has spent decades building their business through exceptional customer service and thoughtful business practices; adding their group to our portfolio is a perfect fit.”
GB Auto Service, Inc. is a premier provider of vehicle maintenance, repair, and tire replacement serving multiple markets, including San Diego and the Inland Empire (CA), Las Vegas (NV), Phoenix and Tucson (AZ), and Dallas, Austin, and Houston (TX). GB Auto continues to expand its presence throughout the United States and is entertaining acquisition discussions with operators who wish to preserve their companies’ legacies while leveraging the benefits of shared resources and technology to grow their businesses.
