Dave Cantin Group, a leading auto retail M&A advisory company, announced today that Matthews Auto Group has acquired Sylvester Chevrolet in Peckville, Pennsylvania. The dealership has been rebranded Matthews Chevrolet of Peckville and will remain in its current location. Employees, including members of the Sylvester family, are expected to remain with the business, ensuring continuity for customers and the surrounding community.
The transaction reflects a succession-driven transition, with a strong emphasis on preserving the dealership’s people, culture and local presence.
WHO:
Buyer: Matthews Auto Group, CEO Rob Matthews
Seller: Sylvester Chevrolet, President Derek Sylvester and Partner Neil Sylvester Advisor: Dave Cantin Group (DCG)
WHEN:
The deal closed on March 31, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS:
This transaction reflects two accelerating trends in automotive retail:
- Succession planning among family-owned dealerships
- Continued rise of regional consolidators acquiring strong local operators
It also underscores a third dynamic gaining traction across the industry: the operational advantage of scaled dealership groups. Large regional operators are increasingly able to invest in leadership, technology and infrastructure in ways that are more difficult for smaller, single-point or two-store dealerships.
Matthews Auto Group, which operates in New York and Pennsylvania, continues to expand its regional footprint through disciplined growth and strategic acquisitions.
KEY DETAILS:
- The dealership will operate as Matthews Chevrolet of Peckville
- All employees, including Sylvester family members, are expected to remain
- Derek Sylvester and family members will continue working within the business under Matthews Auto Group
- The buyer was identified through DCG’s network and long-standing industry relationships
- The transaction was marked by strong alignment between buyer and seller on culture, employees and long-term vision
“We’re seeing more family-owned dealers think carefully about succession, and more regional groups step in to carry those businesses forward. This transaction protects a legacy while positioning the store for long-term growth.” – Brian Gordon, President, Dave Cantin Group
“This is a clear example of where the industry is headed. Regional, privately held groups are growing with intention, investing in their operations and building platforms that can compete long-term. At the same time, family-owned dealers are thinking more strategically about succession.” – Talon Fee, Managing Director, Dave Cantin Group
DEALER TESTIMONIALS:
“The decision to sell Sylvester Chevrolet was not an easy one, but because of my long-term and trusted relationship with Talon Fee, I knew he was the perfect fit to advise me through the process. During our conversations, I made it clear that the impact to my employees, including many Sylvester family members, was my highest priority.
After many productive conversations, Talon found the right buyer for my family business in Rob Matthews and his Automotive Group. All our employees and many of our family members will continue to serve our Chevrolet community under the Matthews Auto Group banner.
As a family, we’re incredibly grateful to Talon and the entire Dave Cantin Group team for advising us through the most important transaction of our careers.” – Derek Sylvester, President, Sylvester Chevrolet
“Talon Fee and the team at Dave Cantin Group were exceptional partners throughout our acquisition of Sylvester Chevrolet. Talon was highly responsive, proactive and solution-oriented, ensuring every detail was handled with precision. This was one of the smoothest transactions we’ve completed.
We also want to thank Derek and Neil Sylvester. Both were outstanding to work with and made the process seamless.
Overall, a first-class experience. We highly recommend Talon and the Dave Cantin Group.” – Rob Matthews, CEO, Matthews Auto Group
About Dave Cantin Group
The Dave Cantin Group is a leading automotive M&A advisory company specializing in acquisitions, divestitures, intelligence and other advisory services. The company is the M&A services provider of choice for North America’s top automotive dealership groups, advising on approximately 40 transactions annually. DCG is differentiated by its advisory approach, long-term client relationships and commitment to investing in market intelligence tools that inform client strategy.
Through its M&A intelligence division, DCG produces automotive insights and delivers timely market intelligence, including the Market Outlook Report and the Inside M&A studio show and podcast with CBT News. DCG’s proprietary AI-enabled software platform Jump IQ anchors its advisory services to help retail automotive dealers make smarter, data-driven M&A decisions.
The company’s nonprofit initiative, DCG Giving, funds child and adolescent cancer research and treatment across the United States and supports other charitable causes.
