Haig Partners LLC, a leading buy-sell advisory firm to auto, heavy truck, and RV dealers in the US, served as the exclusive sell-side advisor on the sale of Gulfgate Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram (“Gulfgate”) in Houston, TX on its sale to the Tony T Automotive Group. Gulfgate was owned by James Davis, while the Tony T Automotive Group is led by Tony Thomas.
James Davis was accepted into the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association Program in 2002 and was awarded the Gulfgate dealership. He later served as president of the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association and held a position on the board of the National Association of Minority Automotive Dealers. James was also nominated for the prestigious Time Dealer of the Year award in 2024, which in partnership with Ally, recognizes dealers who exhibit exceptional performance and perform distinguished community service.
“I’ve been fortunate to be a Stellantis dealer for the last 23 years, and I have had the privilege to support minority dealer causes and the Houston community during my time as a dealer,” said Davis. “Deciding to sell was not easy. However, I am looking forward to my next chapter, which is retirement. I would like to thank Dave Rowe and the team at Haig Partners for helping deliver an outcome that I am very happy with. They did a great job advising me, and I am grateful for their help in navigating the sale. I also want to congratulate Tony Thomas on his acquisition. I’m happy that both our employees and customers will be in great hands through this transition.” The dealership will be rebranded “Tony T Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Gulfgate.”
Tony Thomas was very familiar with the store, having worked at the dealership several years ago during Davis’ ownership. Thomas worked at Gulfgate from 2010 until 2015, serving in various management positions before leaving to acquire dealerships in Arkansas and South Carolina. Gulfgate sits in a high-profile location at the intersection of two of the largest freeways in Houston, I-45 and I-610. The dealership operates from an 11-acre site with more than 42,000 square feet of building space.
Dave Rowe, Managing Director of Haig Partners, shared, “We are proud that James selected Haig Partners as his advisor. I have known James for many years, dating back to my time with Ally. I have always had great respect for his performance as a dealer and his industry and community involvement. I wish him the best in his retirement, and I know he looks forward to spending more time with his family. I also believe that by acquiring a second Stellantis store, Tony is one of many dealers who believe Stellantis is positioned for a market rebound with its renewed focus on consumers and dealers.”
The team at Haig Partners has played a pivotal role in the sale or purchase of 79 dealerships within Texas, with Gulfgate representing the 79th, and remains committed to maximizing value for their clients. For more information about market conditions or to discuss a confidential sale of your dealership(s), please contact Dave Rowe at Dave@haigpartners.com or (469) 236-2286.
