Haig Partners LLC, the nation’s leading dealership buy-sell advisory firm, served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the Riser family in the sale of Riser Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM FIAT in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Chris Crain and Heath Campbell. The transaction marks a strategic move for both parties, as the Riser family identified an opportune time to divest this dealership. At the same time, Crain and Campbell continue expanding their presence in the Arkansas market.
With over 30 years in auto retail, the Riser family has built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, integrity, and dedication to the Hot Springs community. The decision to sell was carefully considered, allowing the family to focus on other priorities while ensuring the dealership transitioned to new owners with deep local ties and a commitment to customer and employee satisfaction. Importantly, the Riser family has no plans to sell any other dealerships.
The buyers, Chris Crain and Heath Campbell, are well-known and respected dealership operators in Arkansas with a history of successful acquisitions and a deep understanding of the Hot Springs market. Their long-standing relationship with the Riser family made this a natural fit, ensuring continuity for customers and employees alike.
“We knew that if we were going to sell, John Davis and the Team at Haig Partners was the clear choice to advise and navigate us through this process,” said Paul Riser. “They certainly lived up to their reputation for professionalism, discretion, and unparalleled relationships with motivated buyers. In addition, knowing I could count on their involvement from beginning to end to ensure I could continue running our other businesses. It made all the difference. They identified the right buyers in Chris Crain and Heath Campbell, individuals we’ve known and respected for years. We’re confident that the dealership will continue to thrive under their leadership.”
Chris Crain expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, sharing, "I want to thank Paul Riser and his family for entrusting us with this dealership. The Riser name carries a legacy of excellence in Hot Springs, and we look forward to building upon that foundation while continuing to serve this great community.”
Heath Campbell added, “It’s an honor to take on this new venture alongside Chris Crain. The Hot Springs market is one we know well, and we’re excited to continue the tradition of outstanding service that the Riser family has established over the past three decades.”
John Davis, Managing Director at Haig Partners, added, “It was a privilege to advise the Riser family on this important transition. Our team is committed to ensuring that dealers receive the best possible outcome when they decide to sell. This sale exemplifies how a well-structured transaction can benefit both parties and underscores the demand for dealerships with a strong franchise-to-market fit. The sale of Riser CDJR-F also serves as a testament to the fact that Stellantis remains a brand in which buyers and investors continue to see solid long-term value. Many motivated buyers are still looking for the right opportunities and providing sellers with considerable offers.”
Trav Baxter served as legal counsel to the Riser Family and Arnie Creekmore as their CPA. Price Gardner served as legal counsel to the buyers.
The team at Haig Partners has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 500 dealerships nationwide. The sale of Riser CDJR represents the 175th dealership the team has bought or sold in the Southeast.
Our team at Haig Partners has the expertise, transaction history, and industry relationships to help dealers maximize the value of their businesses. Dealership owners considering selling or divesting select stores – now is the time to evaluate your options. Our team has expertise, transaction history and data and deep industry relationships to help owners understand the value of their businesses and navigate the best path forward. We invite dealers to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation with us to explore how we can help you maximize the value of your life’s work®.
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