Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions: Sutherlin Automotive Group Acquires McKenna Subaru, Sets Sights on Building Largest Subaru Dealership in the United States

Family-owned, tech-forward group promises California's largest Subaru selection and a one-hour car-buying experience while doubling service capacity.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sutherlin Automotive Group — owned by Brett Sutherlin and entirely self-funded — today announced the acquisition of McKenna Subaru in Huntington Beach. The landmark deal marks the company's first dealership in California and signals a bold westward expansion into the nation's most competitive car market.

This marks one of the largest transactions to date for a single-point Subaru dealership, underscoring the scale of Sutherlin's entry into Southern California.

Backed by five decades of dealership success, Sutherlin plans to transform the Huntington Beach store into a record-setting operation. The company will double the size of the service and parts department, making it one of the largest in California, while continuing to invest in customer-first innovations like mobile service and pickup-and-delivery options.

Customers will also gain access to the largest selection of Subarus in the state, with plans to stock more than 300 new Subarus and over 250 used vehicles on site.

"This is more than an acquisition — it's a statement of intent," said Brett Sutherlin, Owner & CEO of Sutherlin Automotive Group. "Southern California is the most powerful car market in the country — and Huntington Beach offers both the scale and the potential to redefine what a Subaru dealership can be. We didn't come here to participate. We came here to lead — and we will make this the #1 Subaru dealership in America. That means setting a new bar for sales volume, but more importantly, delivering a customer experience that sets the standard for the industry."

The 7-acre location on Beach Boulevard — the largest dealership site in the area for any brand — provides Sutherlin with unmatched scale and visibility to execute on this vision.

Veteran Subaru executive Eric Brower — who successfully led Sutherlin Subaru in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he more than doubled sales — will lead operations in Huntington Beach. He brings proven Subaru leadership to the expansion. Longtime friend and advisor Mike Sims, president of Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, advised Brett Sutherlin on this acquisition, ensuring a smooth and strategic transaction.

"Because we're family-owned, we can move faster and make bolder decisions — that's how we seized this Huntington Beach opportunity so decisively," Sutherlin said. Eric Brower added: "California Subaru customers are about to see a whole new way of buying and servicing cars."

The expansion is expected to create more than 75 new jobs in Huntington Beach, with opportunities across sales, service, and support teams.

Underscoring his personal commitment to this growth, Mr. Sutherlin has relocated to Orange County and will base his office at the Huntington Beach dealership. This is just the beginning of Sutherlin's expansion into California, with additional acquisitions already being evaluated.

About Sutherlin Automotive Group
Sutherlin Automotive Group is a family-owned dealership group led by Owner & CEO Brett Sutherlin. The company is recognized for integrity-first operations, fair pricing, and a digital-forward retail model that prioritizes customer convenience. With five decades of experience running and operating some of the most successful dealerships in the country, Sutherlin continues to set the standard for growth, innovation, and customer trust. Brett Sutherlin's background in technology — having founded and successfully exited two leading Southern California technology companies with valuations exceeding nine figures — gives him a significant competitive advantage in the market. With this unique blend of automotive expertise and tech-forward strategy, Sutherlin is positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing family-owned dealer groups in the United States.

Media Contact

Courtney Ann

Sutherlin Automotive Group

Email: [email protected]

Sutherlin Automotive is actively seeking dealership acquisitions in Orange County, Utah, and the Southeast United States.

SOURCE Pinnacle Mergers and Acquisitions