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In a high-stakes power move within the automotive retail industry, Asbury Automotive Group Inc. has announced its acquisition of The Herb Chambers Cos. in a staggering $1.34 billion deal, expanding its footprint across New England.

What the Deal Includes: A Retail Giant Expands

Asbury’s latest acquisition brings 33 dealerships, 52 franchises, and three collision centers under its umbrella, marking one of the most significant dealership buyouts in recent history. The purchase will further solidify Asbury’s standing as a dominant force in the automotive sector.

To navigate the complexities of the deal, Jones Day and Hill Ward Henderson represented Asbury, while WilmerHale advised The Herb Chambers Cos.

Founded in 1985, The Herb Chambers Cos. has built an empire in automotive retail, operating over 2,200 employees across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With most of its dealerships clustered around Boston, the company has long been a titan in New England’s car sales market.

Herb Chambers Stays On in Advisory Role

Despite the sale, Herb Chambers, the company’s namesake and principal, will remain in the fold—but in a different capacity. Chambers will become a special adviser to Asbury while retaining ownership of Mercedes-Benz of Boston in Somerville, Massachusetts.

"As I look back on the last 40 years in business, I do so with immense pride," said Herb Chambers. "As I look forward, I will do so with great satisfaction knowing what we built together will be in trusted hands."

Asbury’s Vision: Scaling for the Future

Asbury President and CEO David Hult emphasized that the acquisition aligns with the company’s mission to become the most guest-centric automotive retailer in the industry.

"We’re excited to bring Asbury and the Herb Chambers team together," Hult said. "Herb is an icon in Boston, and he has built a world-class organization with a strong reputation for serving guests and being highly engaged in the communities."

Hult praised The Herb Chambers Cos. for its customer-first philosophy, noting that its culture and brand will remain intact under Asbury’s stewardship.

How Asbury is Funding the Deal

The Duluth, Georgia-based Asbury Automotive is funding the purchase through a combination of:

• Credit facility capacity
• Mortgage proceeds
• Cash reserves

With Asbury already operating 152 new vehicle dealerships, 198 franchises, and 31 domestic and foreign brands, the acquisition represents a strategic move to strengthen its influence in the auto retail sector.

What’s Next? Closing Timeline & Legal Teams

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

WilmerHale (Advising The Herb Chambers Cos.)

• Joe Conahan, Andy Alin, Doug Burton, Bill Caporizzo, Meghan Walsh, Scott Kilgore, Jeff Johnson, Chalyse Robinson, Kirk Nahra, and Hartmut Schneider

Jones Day and Hill Ward Henderson (Advising Asbury)

• Full legal counsel details were not immediately available.

Industry Impact: A Deal That Reshapes the Market

With this acquisition, Asbury Automotive is making a bold statement: scale, customer service, and strategic expansion will define the next era of auto retail. As the industry evolves, all eyes will be on how Asbury integrates the Herb Chambers empire into its growing portfolio.