Ferrari of Denver Changes Hands in High-Profile Deal

SOUTHLAKE, TX – May 29, 2026 – In a significant move within the exclusive world of ultra-luxury automotive retail, Ferrari of Denver has been sold by the publicly traded giant Lithia Motors to Jason Pittack, CEO of the Nebraska-based Woodhouse Auto Family. The transaction, which closed on May 28, was facilitated by the leading dealership brokerage firm Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, which represented Lithia in the sale.

The iconic Denver dealership, a premier destination for enthusiasts of the Prancing Horse, will continue to operate under the name Ferrari of Denver, ensuring continuity of service and brand presence in the thriving Colorado market. This acquisition marks a major strategic expansion for the Woodhouse Auto Family into the highest tier of the automotive world and reflects ongoing portfolio adjustments among the industry's largest players.

A Strategic Play in the High-Octane Luxury Market

The purchase of Ferrari of Denver represents a crowning achievement for Jason Pittack and the Woodhouse Auto Family. Founded in 1975, the family-owned group has grown from a single storefront into a formidable regional power with a network of over two dozen dealerships across Nebraska and Iowa. While the group boasts a diverse portfolio that includes major mainstream brands like Toyota, Honda, and Ford, it has been making a concerted push into the luxury space.

Through its "Woodhouse Select Brands" initiative, the company has cultivated an identity centered on providing an "extraordinary selection and experience" for high-end clientele. The addition of Ferrari—arguably one of the most prestigious and tightly controlled brands in existence—elevates this strategy to a new level. It places Woodhouse among a select group of retailers qualified to represent the Maranello-based manufacturer, a status that requires significant capital investment, a proven track record in luxury sales, and a deep understanding of a discerning customer base. This move follows other strategic plays in the luxury segment, including their operation of Porsche, Bentley, and Maserati franchises, underscoring a deliberate and ambitious growth plan.

Lithia's Strategic Shuffle and Woodhouse's Bold Bet

For the seller, Lithia Motors, the divestiture is a calculated part of a much larger corporate strategy. As one of the largest publicly traded dealership groups in the United States, Lithia is in a constant state of portfolio optimization. The sale of a single-point, high-value asset like Ferrari of Denver can unlock substantial capital, which can then be redeployed into acquisitions that align with the company's broader growth objectives, such as expanding its network in specific regions or investing in different segments of the market. This transaction is not an exit from luxury but rather a strategic reallocation of resources, a common practice for large consolidators managing hundreds of dealerships.

Conversely, for Woodhouse, the acquisition is a bold bet on the enduring power of ultra-luxury. The deal is particularly interesting given the group's recent M&A activity. Earlier this year, Jason Pittack sold Porsche Des Moines to the Ed Morse Automotive Group, a transaction that demonstrated a willingness to divest assets strategically. Now, by acquiring Ferrari of Denver, Pittack has shown an equal, if not greater, appetite for acquiring premier assets. This buy-and-sell activity paints a picture of a dynamic and sophisticated operator actively shaping its portfolio to maximize opportunity and brand prestige.

The Broker's Crucial Role in a Complex Transaction

Navigating the sale of a Ferrari franchise is a uniquely complex endeavor, involving stringent manufacturer approval processes, immense financial stakes, and the careful handling of long-standing customer relationships. This is where a specialized advisory firm like Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions becomes indispensable.

Pinnacle represented Lithia in the deal, leveraging a relationship that spans over three decades and dozens of transactions. This history built a foundation of trust that is critical in high-stakes negotiations. Bill Scrivner, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle, highlighted the specialized nature of the deal. "Premium and luxury dealerships require a unique understanding of brand standards, customer relationships, and long-term market positioning," Scrivner stated.

The firm's role was further amplified by its familiarity with the buyer. The Ferrari of Denver sale was Pinnacle's second transaction involving Jason Pittack in 2026, following its role representing the buyer in the Porsche Des Moines sale. This dual-sided familiarity allowed the brokerage to create "alignment throughout the process," as Scrivner noted.

"We were honored to represent Lithia Motors in this transaction and help facilitate another opportunity with Jason Pittack," Scrivner added. "Our relationship with both parties, combined with decades of experience in dealership transactions, helped create alignment throughout the process and position the business for continued success." This highlights how deep industry relationships are the currency that enables such complex deals to close smoothly.

New Ownership, Same Prancing Horse for Denver's Elite

For the loyal clientele and employees in Colorado, the change in ownership from a large public corporation to a prominent family-owned group promises a continuation of the dealership's legacy. The decision to keep the "Ferrari of Denver" name signals a commitment to the established brand and its place within the local community.

The transition to Woodhouse Auto Family's stewardship may bring a different operational flavor. Family-owned groups often pride themselves on a more personal touch and direct leadership involvement, which can resonate strongly with the client base for a brand like Ferrari, where relationships are paramount. Woodhouse's proven experience in managing other luxury brands suggests they are well-prepared to meet and exceed the lofty expectations of Ferrari's customers and the manufacturer itself. The acquisition is also a vote of confidence in the strength of the Denver market, which continues to be a hub of wealth and a key battleground for luxury and performance automotive brands. This move ensures that one of the most coveted automotive nameplates will continue to have a strong and dedicated presence in the Rocky Mountain region under its new, ambitious ownership.