Nancy Phillips Associates - Blog , Dealerships Sold

Dealer Spotlight: Hear What Brian Kelly Has to Say

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:01:47 -0500

Guidance, Communication & Trust: A Client’s Take

At Nancy Phillips Associates, it’s a privilege to be part of defining moments for our clients and their families. We were honored to represent Brian Kelly in the sale of Kelly Ford in Beverly, Massachusetts, to Matt McGovern of McGovern Auto Group — a decision rooted in his commitment to his customers and community. We are grateful for the trust Brian placed in us and proud to have helped ensure a smooth transition for a dealership with more than 60 years of history and heart behind it.

Kelly Ford in Beverly, Massachusetts sold to Matt McGovern of McGovern Auto Group

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:59:26 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Kelly Ford located in Beverly, Massachusetts, to Matt McGovern of McGovern Auto Group.

Kelly Automotive Group has been in business for 60 years and has grown to represent six brands throughout the vibrant Danvers and Lynn market areas. Under the leadership of Brian Kelly, the group has become one of the highest-ranked and most respected dealership organizations in New England and is recognized not only for its strong sales performance but also as a Best Place to Work by both Automotive News and The Boston Globe.

Kelly Ford, acquired by the group in 2015, has been a valued part of its portfolio. Brian Kelly’s decision to sell was guided by his commitment to ensuring the best possible service to his market area and customers. The new owner, Matt McGovern, now represents the Ford brand in four dealerships across Eastern Massachusetts.

MAG Chevrolet in Greenwich, New York sold to Rob McGee, owner of the McGee Automotive Family

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:53:48 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of MAG Chevrolet in Greenwich, New York to Rob McGee, owner of the McGee Automotive Family.

This marks the fifth transaction completed on behalf of Rob McGee by Nancy Phillips and her team. The newly named McGee Chevrolet of Greenwich becomes the group’s 14th location, with dealerships situated across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This represents the company’s first acquisition in New York, expanding its presence into the Capital Region.

MAG Chevrolet, previously owned by Chris Mackey of Mackey Auto Group, has recently sold its New York dealership holdings to focus on other business ventures.
Nancy Phillips Associates has facilitated all of the Mackey Auto Group’s dealership sales.

Grava Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sold to Matt McGovern

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:28:56 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Grava Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Medford, MA sold to Matt McGovern of McGovern Auto Group.

The dealership originally began operations in 1984 as Chrysler Plymouth of Medford, Inc. and has remained a family-owned business led by two generations of the Grava family. Most recently, Ralph Grava served as President, working alongside his brothers Eric Grava, and Peter Grava Jr.. Over the years, the dealership evolved into Grava Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, reflecting the full suite of Stellantis brands. The Grava family is looking forward to their retirement following the sale.

Ralph Grava had this to say about the transaction;

"I never realized just how much was involved in the purchase and sale of a dealership until I went through the process. Carrie guided me from start to finish with professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care. Anytime we hit a hiccup, she was immediately on the phone and quick to resolve it.

What stood out the most was Carrie’s communication—whether I called or texted, she always responded promptly and made me feel supported every step of the way. Even when we were hesitant to move forward, she remained patient and understanding until we were ready.

This deal had unique complexities, including the real estate component, and Carrie’s expertise extended across all aspects. She had trusted connections for everything—from business attorneys and land experts to accountants for closing day. She truly had every tool needed to keep the process running smoothly.

I would absolutely recommend that any dealer—buyer or seller—work with a broker, and more specifically, choose Carrie and the team at Nancy Phillips Associates. They made what could have been a stressful process feel seamless and supported."

McGovern Auto Group was founded in 2016 by automotive industry veteran Matt McGovern, former CFO of Group 1 Automotive and co-founder of Prime Motor Group. Today, with more than 30 dealership locations, McGovern Auto Group stands as one of the largest automotive enterprises in New England. The acquisition of Grava Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram strengthens McGovern’s footprint in the Greater Boston market and presents new opportunities for continued growth in the region.

AutoFair Nissan in Stratham, NH sold to Chris Lane.

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:28:56 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of AutoFair Nissan in Stratham, New Hampshire to Chris Lane.

Chris Lane, of the McFarland Group of Dealerships based in the Seacoast New Hampshire area, is the new owner of AutoFair Nissan in Stratham, New Hampshire. Previously, the dealership was owned by a national dealership group.

Jason Ose, a top manager within the McFarland organization, is also a partner in the acquisition and will serve as Executive Manager.

The newly rebranded McFarland Nissan expands the group's presence, adding to its top-performing Ford dealerships and growing its portfolio with three recently acquired import franchises, all strategically located in Southern New Hampshire.

McGee GMC in Charlton, Massachusetts sold to Ray Butler

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:08:13 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of McGee GMC in Charlton, Massachusetts by Rob McGee of the McGee Family of Dealerships to Ray Butler.

The new name of the dealership is Butler GMC.

Butler GMC marks Ray Butler's second dealership venture, building on his success with Midstate Mitsubishi in Andover, Massachusetts. He is joined by his General Manager Brian Lindsey, and also by Bob Montgomery formerly of Capital One.

The sale of the dealership aligns with McGee’s expansion of his import operations across Western New England. McGee recently unveiled a state-of-the-art Toyota dealership in Connecticut and has commenced construction on new Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen facilities in Lenox, MA.

Saratoga Ford and Saratoga Subaru sold to Romeo Auto Group

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:58:11 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Saratoga Ford and Saratoga Subaru of Saratoga Springs, New York owned by Chris Mackey to the Romeo Auto Group.

After working for most of his career for a large dealership group, Chris Mackey purchased the two dealerships in 2019. Mackey and his son, Christopher, continue to operate their General Motors dealership in New York while expanding their specialty import boat business.

Romeo Auto Group represents multiple domestic and import franchises in the upstate New York market area. The addition of Ford and Subaru in the Saratoga geography is a perfect fit for the family’s growing business. Mike Romeo will serve as Dealers Principal of the group’s newest acquisition.

Havana Ford sold to Robert and Anthony Esposito

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:14:10 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Havana Ford in Havana, Florida to Robert and Anthony Esposito of Maine and Florida.

Bob Esposito is the owner of Yankee Ford in Portland, Maine which ranks among the top Ford dealers in the Boston region. His son, Tony, recently sold his Maine dealership holdings to re-locate to Florida. Havana Ford, located outside of Tallahassee along the Georgia border, marks their first acquisition in the state.

The former dealer, Kenneth Ball, who was a second-generation dealer is now retired.

The sale was facilitated through the combined efforts of Carrie Forbes of Nancy Phillips Associates who represented the Buyer, and Bill Fields of DSMA who represented the Seller.

Key Honda of Rutland sold to Gengras Auto Group

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:25:27 -0400

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Key Honda of Rutland to Gengras Auto Group.

Key Auto Group, with headquarters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, operates dealerships throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont as well as in states outside of New England including Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The group includes approximately 27 dealerships, the majority of which hold domestic brands, and also operates an extensive separate network of Collision Centers. Key has divested of the Honda dealership to focus it’s geography on other areas.

Gengras Auto Group, based in Connecticut, operates 10 dealerships in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. With the addition of this Honda dealership, the group expands its footprint in the northern New England market area. The primary focus of the Gengras group is import brands and this acquisition represents it’s second Honda dealership.

Bailey Ford sold to Riley Ford

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:47:55 -0500

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Bailey Ford by Steve and Andrew Bailey
to Joy Vanleuvan of Riley Ford.

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Bailey Ford by Steve and

Andrew Bailey to Joy Vanleuvan of Riley Ford.

This marks the second and final dealership sale for Steve and Andrew Bailey in the past two years. Steve is retiring and looks forward to spending time between New York and Florida with his wife, Michelle. Andrew will be pursuing his passion for aviation by attending flight school in Florida.

As part of Ford’s market realignment, Riley Ford has acquired Bailey Ford and will be relocating to the Bailey Ford facility, closing their Chazy location in the process.

Steve Bailey shared his experience working with Nancy Phillips Associates:

"This was my second transaction with Nancy Phillips Associates, and if I had more dealerships to sell, I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again. Carrie was exceptional the first time, so when it came time to sell this dealership, I knew she was the right choice.

In the course of this sale, I encountered a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) from the franchisor. Fortunately, Carrie and the Nancy Phillips Associates team stepped in, took the burden off my shoulders, and ensured the sale moved forward seamlessly.

From valuation to listing and closing, the NPA team handled every detail, making the entire process smooth and efficient. Their expertise and dedication ensured I found the best possible buyer. The knowledge, service, and attention to detail that Nancy Phillips Associates provides are invaluable for any dealer going through this process.

I have recommended the NPA team time and time again—and will continue to do so."