We're off to a busy start of the year for dealer movements, with a couple of significant acquisitions reported from the United States this week.
The sales follow increased activity towards the back end of last year.
What do we make of the heightened activity? Some dealership sales reflect the owners' retirement or change of direction. Some are a result of offers "too good to refuse". And then, of course, there are distressed sales.
Regardless of the reasons, acquisitions are generally good news for the purchaser, often resulting in expanded territories and access to additional brands - and skilled people.
While customers may lament the apparent reduction in competition as the number of dealers dwindles, acquisitions do bring economies of scale which can be beneficial.
Let's see what the year ahead brings ...