Kunes Auto Group Acquires Two Minnesota Dealerships from Valley Automotive Group

Performance Brokerage Services Brokers the Sale of Valley GMC of Hastings and Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:22am

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An abstract, blurred image of a moving vehicle, conveying a sense of speed, modern engineering, and the dynamic nature of the automotive industry.The acquisition of two Minnesota dealerships by Kunes Auto Group signals the group's continued expansion and the ongoing consolidation in the automotive retail industry.Hastings Today

Performance Brokerage Services, a leading dealership brokerage firm, has announced the sale of Valley GMC of Hastings and Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley in Minnesota from Jim Paul of Valley Automotive Group to Kunes Auto Group. Kunes Auto Group, which operates over 40 dealerships across the Midwest, is now expanding into Minnesota with these acquisitions.

Why it matters

This transaction marks Kunes Auto Group's entry into the Minnesota automotive market and further solidifies Performance Brokerage Services' position as the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. The sale highlights the ongoing consolidation in the automotive retail industry as larger groups like Kunes continue to grow through strategic acquisitions.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley will be renamed Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC, and Valley GMC of Hastings will be renamed Kunes Valley GMC. Kunes Auto Group, founded in 1996, has been recognized nationally for its workplace culture, earning over 30 Automotive News 'Best Dealerships to Work For' awards. The group has also been ranked among the top 150 dealership groups in the U.S. based on new vehicle retail sales.

  • The sale was completed on March 31, 2026.

The players

Kunes Auto Group

A Midwest-based automotive group that operates over 40 dealerships across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. The group is now expanding into Minnesota with the acquisition of Valley GMC of Hastings and Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley.

Jim Paul

The owner of Valley Automotive Group, which previously owned the Valley GMC of Hastings and Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley dealerships in Minnesota.

Performance Brokerage Services

A leading dealership brokerage firm that specializes in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, marine, powersports, commercial truck, and equipment dealerships. The firm advised on this transaction.

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What they’re saying

“Kunes Auto Group was proud to work with Performance Brokerage Services on the successful acquisitions of Jim Paul's Valley GMC in Hastings, Minnesota, and Apple Valley Buick GMC—milestone transactions that mark our second dealership acquisitions in the state of Minnesota. From start to finish, Performance Brokerage Services demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the automotive retail landscape.”

— Gregg Kunes, Founder and President of Kunes Auto Group

What’s next

The newly acquired dealerships, Valley Buick GMC of Apple Valley and Valley GMC of Hastings, will be rebranded as Kunes Apple Valley Buick GMC and Kunes Valley GMC, respectively, as Kunes Auto Group continues to expand its footprint in Minnesota.

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates the ongoing consolidation in the automotive retail industry, as larger dealer groups like Kunes Auto Group continue to grow through strategic acquisitions. The transaction also highlights the expertise and reputation of Performance Brokerage Services as a trusted partner in facilitating complex dealership buy-sell activities.