Subsidies Offered for Sales Partners: First Mercedes-Benz Dealership Sold
In a significant move, luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has announced the sale of its car dealerships across Germany. The decision, which was initially announced in early 2024, follows an agreement with the works council that outlines key points for potential takeovers by buyers.
The sale is part of Mercedes-Benz's strategy to make its sales future-proof. The company has emphasised that the sale will be selective, with established automotive dealership groups, entrepreneurs or investors with experience in automotive retail, existing local dealers expanding their footprint, and those aligned with the premium segment being potential buyers.
The sale process is governed by Mercedes-Benz AG's dealer network management and corporate sales division, which oversees dealership allocations, sales, and franchise agreements. Potential buyers must meet stringent requirements, including strong financial stability, a suitable location, commitment to service quality, investment readiness, alignment with Mercedes-Benz's brand image, and operational guidelines.
One of the first dealerships to be sold is the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Neu-Ulm, which has been bid for by The Sterne Group GmbH. The Sterne Group, which operates 15 Mercedes locations in southern Germany, has a long-term concept for the Neu-Ulm location, employing around 200 people.
The decision to sell the dealerships has not been without controversy. The head of the works council, Ergun Lümali, initially criticised the sale and announced resistance. However, the agreement with the works council was made in response to employee protests against the sale.
The sale of the dealerships is expected to affect around 8,000 people employed in approximately 80 operations across Germany. No further details about the specifics of the agreement with the works council have been disclosed. Mercedes-Benz is currently in talks with potential buyers for further locations.
For those interested in acquiring a Mercedes-Benz dealership, it is recommended to engage directly with Mercedes-Benz AG's dealer network management or corporate sales division for detailed information.
- The sale of Mercedes-Benz's car dealerships across Germany is part of the company's strategy to make its sales future-proof, with potential buyers being established automotive dealership groups, entrepreneurs or investors with experience in automotive retail, existing local dealers expanding their footprint, and those aligned with the premium segment.
- The sale process is governed by stringent requirements, including strong financial stability, a suitable location, commitment to service quality, investment readiness, alignment with Mercedes-Benz's brand image, and operational guidelines. Interested parties are encouraged to engage directly with Mercedes-Benz AG's dealer network management or corporate sales division for detailed information.
