NBB Targets $664B Auto Services Market in Major M&A Expansion

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – May 20, 2026 – NBB, a powerhouse in automotive merger and acquisition advisory for nearly five decades, today announced a significant strategic expansion beyond its traditional dealership focus. The firm is launching a dedicated Auto Services practice, aiming to capture a major share of the M&A activity within the rapidly growing and consolidating automotive aftermarket, a sector projected to surpass $664 billion by 2028.

To lead the new venture, NBB has appointed two seasoned investment banking veterans, Giorgio Andonian and Cole Strandberg, as Managing Directors. The move signals a major pivot for the firm, which has built its reputation by facilitating over 950 new car dealership transactions since its founding in 1978. Now, it is setting its sights on the fragmented but lucrative world of collision repair, mechanical auto repair, tire centers, and quick lube services.

This expansion is not merely a diversification but a calculated entry into a market characterized by intense private equity interest and widespread consolidation. By leveraging its deep-rooted brand in the automotive world, NBB is positioning itself to become the premier advisor for independent business owners navigating the complexities of this evolving landscape.

A Strategic Pivot to a Booming Market

For decades, NBB has been a dominant force in the franchised dealership M&A space, guiding dealers through complex, high-stakes transactions. The firm's historical success, built on deep industry knowledge and an extensive network, has solidified its position as one of the largest automotive M&A advisory firms in the United States. However, this new initiative marks a deliberate shift to tap into the much larger, and in many ways more dynamic, automotive aftermarket.

According to The Auto Care Association's 2026 Factbook, the U.S. automotive aftermarket, valued at $414 billion in 2024, is on a steep growth trajectory. Factors such as an aging vehicle fleet, the increasing complexity of modern cars, and a persistent demand for maintenance and repair services are fueling this expansion. NBB's move is a direct response to this opportunity, aiming to apply its proven M&A formula to a new and burgeoning client base.

The decision also reflects the strategic vision of NBB's parent company, Accrual Equity Partners (AEP), a private equity firm known for investing in and scaling companies within highly fragmented industries. NBB's expansion aligns perfectly with AEP's thesis of identifying markets ripe for consolidation and providing the resources and leadership to capitalize on that trend.

In a statement, NBB CEO Zach Kuzemka framed the expansion as a natural evolution. "This expansion is a natural extension of our growth strategy and reinforces the kind of differentiated, people-first advisory practice we're building alongside our parent company, Accrual Equity Partners," he said. By entering the auto services space, NBB is not just adding a new service line; it is strategically positioning itself at the center of the industry's next great wave of M&A activity.

The Human Factor: Tapping Veteran Expertise

Central to NBB's strategy is the recruitment of top-tier talent with direct, hands-on experience in the target sectors. The hiring of Giorgio Andonian and Cole Strandberg is a clear testament to this approach. Both professionals come from FOCUS Investment Banking, where they were instrumental in its Automotive Aftermarket group, putting them in direct competition with their former firm.

Andonian brings a unique blend of over 15 years of operational and investment banking experience. His career began in his family's Southern California tire business, giving him invaluable ground-level credibility and an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent service owners. This operational background is complemented by his recent role as a Managing Director in M&A advisory.

Strandberg contributes nearly a decade of experience across the automotive, transportation, and distribution sectors, including a key business development role at Autotality. His broad expertise provides a holistic view of the auto services ecosystem, from supply chain dynamics to service delivery.

"Giorgio and Cole are exactly the type of professionals we've been targeting as we broaden NBB's platform," Kuzemka noted. "They’re seasoned advisors who combine real operational credibility with deep transaction expertise in their sectors. Their arrival reflects our continued commitment to assembling a team that can deliver exceptional advice across every corner of the automotive industry."

Their appointment underscores the 'people-first' philosophy NBB is championing, emphasizing that successful advisory in this space requires more than just financial acumen—it demands genuine industry knowledge and an appreciation for the entrepreneurs who built their businesses from the ground up.

"The opportunity to help business owners navigate their most important transactions, backed by the resources and network of NBB, is a tremendous one," said Andonian.

Consolidation Crossroads for Independent Owners

The auto services market is at a critical juncture. Once dominated by small, independent, often family-owned businesses, the industry is now undergoing rapid consolidation. Private equity firms and large strategic buyers are aggressively pursuing "roll-up" strategies, acquiring smaller operators to build regional and national platforms that benefit from economies of scale, professionalized management, and standardized branding.

This trend presents both a monumental opportunity and a significant threat to independent owners. On one hand, the influx of capital has driven up business valuations, creating unprecedented opportunities for owners to achieve lucrative exits. On the other, the growing dominance of large chains increases competitive pressure, making it harder for smaller shops to compete on price, marketing, and technology.

NBB's entry into this arena provides a new, high-profile advisory option for these owners. The firm will compete with established specialized advisors like Performance & Aftermarket Advisors (P&A) and Automotive Aftermarket Advisors (AAA), as well as the dedicated aftermarket teams at larger investment banks. NBB's advantage lies in its powerful brand recognition within the broader automotive industry and its proven, decades-long track record in facilitating complex deals.

For an owner of a local collision center or a small chain of quick lube shops, the decision to sell is often the most significant financial event of their life. Navigating the process—from valuation and marketing to negotiating with sophisticated private equity buyers—requires specialized expertise.

"The automotive services market is consolidating rapidly, and business owners deserve an advisor with both the transactional depth and the industry knowledge to guide them through it," commented Strandberg. "Joining NBB gives us an incredible platform to do exactly that."

By establishing this new practice, NBB is betting that thousands of business owners will need a trusted guide to help them make the right choice at this consolidation crossroads, whether that choice is to sell, acquire, or strategically partner to secure their future. The firm's expansion is poised to add significant momentum to the M&A activity already transforming the face of the American auto services industry.