Dave Cantin
PRESIDENT AND CEO
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
- Automotive Mergers and Acquisitions
- Automotive Industry Authority
- Dealership Processes and Structure
- Award-Winning Entrepreneur
PROFESSIONAL & CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS:
- Founder, DCG Giving
- Long history of philanthropy in the pediatric cancer space
- Serves on the board of Multiple Pediatric Cancer Organization
- Forbes Council Member
Dave Cantin
The Founding of a Leading Organization
Dave Cantin founded the Dave Cantin Group (DCG) in 2017. Dave’s vision and experience were instrumental in forming one of the largest and most forward-thinking automotive M&A firms in the nation, and he brought on a world-class team of automotive authorities and M&A industry experts.
Prior to DCG
Dave developed his renowned drive and dedication through various leadership roles within the automotive industry. Dave’s automotive experience spans over two decades, and his relentless passion, drive, and dedication to exploring innovative opportunities made him an industry authority and led to his closing of the second-largest automotive dealership transaction in US history – the sale of Prime Motor Group – consisting of more than 30 dealerships.
Relentless Dedication
Dave’s dedication to client legacies and foundational values of Respect, Relationship, Integrity, and Excellence are steadfast principles that have allowed DCG to achieve transactional revenues exceeding one billion dollars.
Today, Dave spends his time engaged in philanthropic endeavors, providing thought leadership to various enterprises, and contributing his advisory services to DCG Brands.
Dedication to Philanthropy
Beyond his business achievements, Dave survived leukemia after five years of treatment and has made it his mission to harness the giving power of the automotive sector to eradicate childhood and adolescent cancer. His newly-formed nonprofit, DCG Giving, channels charitable contributions specifically aimed at research and development for treatments that can advance and save millions of young lives, letting adolescent cancer patients grow up into thriving adults. To date, Dave has assisted in raising more than $100 million for cancer research personally and through a percentage of the proceeds from every completed DCG transaction, going back to local communities where the transaction occurred.
Testimonials
Having worked with the Dave Cantin Group before, I knew I could count on them again for this strategic divestiture. Their team provided incredible guidance in selling my New Haven Lexus and Chevrolet stores. What sets them apart is how well they know the market and the true value of a dealership—better than anyone in the business. They also knew exactly the right buyer who would be a great fit for the community and the brands. Selling a dealership is never an easy decision, but Dave Cantin and his team made the process smooth and straightforward with their insight, professionalism, and commitment. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Working with Dave Cantin and the Dave Cantin Group was an incredible experience. Their team handled every detail with professionalism and made the entire process seamless. This acquisition is a huge step for Crabtree Motors, letting us diversify with our first Chevrolet/domestic franchise and adding the highly coveted Lexus brand to our Toyota holdings. What really stood out was how well they KNOW this market—better than anyone else. Their relationships across the industry, including with OEMs, were hugely valuable in making this deal happen. Their strategic insight and market intelligence were unmatched, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their support in making this vision a reality.
I can’t say enough about the professionalism of DCG Acquisitions, and specifically Drew Picon and Brian Brown. Our transaction was somewhat complicated yet Drew and Brian exhibited admirable persistence in overcoming any issues that may have arisen. It was a pleasure working with these gentlemen and I highly recommend their services. We look forward to working with DCG to help our company grow.
Choosing to sell two of my biggest stores was one of the most important decisions I have had to make. It was very important for me to have someone by my side that came with a lot of trust that was needed to get this deal to the finish line. I felt confident Dave Cantin and his team could deliver on that for me. Dave made this transaction an easy one. Dave, along with his Eastern region team led by Brian Brown, really understood our automotive group and our successes within the industry and how important this was to me. The sale of my two Lexus stores was completed easily, thanks to Dave’s dedication and hard work. Dave got this deal to the closing table with the confidence of everyone involved. You could not ask for more than that.
Dave was a vital asset to ensure our acquisition of the Global Auto Mall stores successfully closed in an expeditious and professional process. This will certainly only be the first of many more times we will look to the Dave Cantin Group for advisement and partnership on growth opportunities.
Dave Cantin is absolutely the hardest working and smartest broker for auto dealerships that I have ever known. We have looked at several deals that he brought to us and have closed on 2 great dealerships in the past several years. Dave Cantin is 100% the ONLY person that I would talk to if I was ever selling and for sure as a buyer he follows up on everything that is important to getting to the finish line.
Having been in the automotive industry for over 40 years, I can say with confidence that the level of expertise I have experienced with Dave Cantin Group has been unrivaled. Dave has amassed a team of professionals that get the job done, which is a critical facet of handling any transaction in mergers and acquisitions. The associated individuals stand organized to assist in all facets to complete the transaction, whether it’s manufacturer approval or arranging the numerous legal hurdles. DCG is, in essence, your one-stop authority to any transaction.
It is my sincere pleasure to highly recommend the Dave Cantin Group throughout all aspects of dealership sales. I met Dave and the group during the most stressful and vulnerable time in my life when my husband had recently passed away and I needed to sell our Toyota dealership. Dave's caring personality and group's professionalism immediately put me at ease and I am so glad I trusted my instincts and went with them to represent us. Throughout the process, I had 24 hour a day access to Dave and his group for questions, concerns and emergencies, which there was plenty. This courtesy was also extended to all of my associates and employees, which went a long way in making the sale go smoothly. Any concern I had was immediately addressed throughout the preparation, sale, and negotiating process. Our dealership had multiple offers that were completely vetted and verified by Dave's group, so there was no question who was qualified. His associate George Pero was exceptional and guided myself and my employees through the process of the sale. During this process I was very concerned I would lose key managers and employees before the transaction. George was excellent at employee relations and helped keep my business together until the transaction was complete, and I only lost one lube tech out of 56 employees. In the end, I had a final offer higher than anticipated due to Dave's excellent and honest communication and negotiation skills. I feel so grateful and indebted to the Dave Cantin Group for guiding me smoothly through what seemed to be an insurmountable process at the time.
Dave Cantin and Brian Brown were consummate professionals throughout the entire process. This was our first buy/sell and initially we were looking to add a small store. When it was all said and done, not only did DCG successfully help us execute that goal, but we ended up selling our big store. The team came to the table with an offer we just couldn't refuse. There were a lot of moving parts in both transactions and at some points the deals seemed like they were going to fall apart. I can say with the upmost confidence that without DCG at the helm, neither deal would have been executed. We are now a couple of months post closing and they are still there to help with a few issues that have arisen. These were the largest transactions our family ever took part in and we couldn't be happier that we chose DCG as partners in the transactions.
I want to thank Dave Cantin and Brian Traugott from the Dave Cantin Group for their partnership with the Empire Automotive Group as we continue to grow our platform. Their industry expertise and buy/sell process were a huge asset in assisting the Empire Automotive Group in closing on such a tremendous acquisition. We couldn’t have gotten here without them. We look forward to working with the Dave Cantin Group on future growth opportunities as we continue to expand. We highly recommend Dave, Brian and their team to anyone considering a buy/sell.
We worked with Dave Cantin and Brian Traugott from the Dave Cantin Group on a legacy succession plan to sell our Toyota and Mazda Auto Mall. We could not be more appreciative of their assistance through this process. They worked daily with both us and the buyer throughout the hurdles that came up, but most importantly in respect and confidentiality through the unfortunate passing of Michael. Dave and Brian are the best in the business, and should be your only call when you are considering an acquisition or divestiture.
I've been involved in over 150 transactions involving dealerships and real estate in my career, and I can tell you that Dave Cantin Group is the most professional, hands-on team I have ever worked with. The level of service I have experienced is second to none. Most brokers match up the buyer and the seller and then just sit back and wait for the closing. DCG Acquisitions actually does everything in between to ensure the deal gets to the closing table successfully. They expertly manage the due diligence process, expedite interactions with the lawyers, manage effective communication between the buyer and the seller and coordinate any other professionals involved in the deal. DCG consistently goes above and beyond because they build and maintain a relationship with their clients from day one.
We are pleased to recommend Dave Cantin and DCG Acquisitions to anyone looking to grow their legacy. Having successfully closed on four transactions with Dave in the past, it was an easy decision to work with him once again by adding two incredible Lexus dealerships to the Len Stoler Auto Group family. With DCG Acquisitions, you have a company that possesses a true understanding of what it means to create a lasting legacy, and Dave and his team operate with integrity, proficiency, and the utmost dedication. Dave is responsive and has a firm understanding of our industry. We talk the same language and it provides win-win results. His perspective from start to finish has been, and will always be invaluable.
Dave Cantin was truly the only reason that I was able to complete the transaction on our new dealership. He was able to help both the seller and I find common ground on some contentious issues. When it seemed that the deal wouldn’t actually happen, he kept us moving forward. I would not think of doing another buy/sell without calling Dave first.”
I have known Dave Cantin for many years, both as a business associate and then as a dear friend. We met when he was the general manager and part owner of Brad Benson Hyundai and I was the principal of Kera & Co., LLC. Dave has a deep-rooted knowledge of both the front and back-end of the car business, which allowed him to make a natural progression to become a successful broker. He is able to skillfully construct transactions that are beneficial to both the buyer and seller in a way that is seamless. He is always responsive and accessible and has been a tremendous resource to me for many years.
I contacted Dave Cantin after I tried 2 other brokers to sell my dealership with no success. Dave assured me that he has the network to get my dealership sold. Within 30 days Dave had me in contract with the right buyer. From beginning to end, hands down, Dave is one of the best brokers you can work with. I would not hesitate in recommending Dave Cantin to any dealer that wants to sell or buy a dealership. He works extremely hard in getting you top dollar if your selling. BEST IN THE BUSINESS!
Dave Cantin is one of the most organized, aggressive, and transparent brokers I have ever worked with in our industry. He takes the time to get to know what your goals are first, and then he puts together a plan to get you there. He is always easy to reach and never too busy to talk to. I honestly feel that he wants to help me achieve my goals rather than use me to achieve his. When its time to grow, he’s my first phone call.
The dealership brokerage world is filled with fast-talkers who make big promises to secure a listing, but don’t always come through with their guarantees. But this is not the case with Dave Cantin and DCG Acquisitions. From the initial analysis and evaluation of our deal all the way up through closing, Dave and his team told us what to expect. Nearly everything they predicted about price, terms, timing and due diligence came true. It was an extraordinary comfort to be with someone who really understood the buyers and could so accurately advise us on how to plan for the inevitable wrinkles the can happen in deals.
Working with DCG Acquisitions helped us achieve our goal and connected us with the right fit for our dealership. Their guidance and experience created a seamless process – from list to successful closing. Dave and his team were responsive and provided a smooth transition. Their expertise and knowledge went a long way to relieve the stress that goes alongside selling your business.
I want to express my deepest thanks to Dave Cantin for selling my Chevrolet dealership. The process was quick and painless, and I got exceptional value for it. Everything was very confidential between the buyer and the seller. I have worked with other brokers in the past and Dave, by far, was the most professional.
Having seen first-hand the best-in-class process and advisory services of the Dave Cantin Group (DCG)... there was no one else I would have wanted to work with to finalize my exit from the business. Dave methodically worked through a legacy succession plan over the years; culminating in the sale of Global Auto Mall. I cannot thank him and the entire Dave Cantin Group team enough for their expertise and guidance; and recommend any dealer considering to sell or looking to grow to work with the best, DCG.