The Dealers Auto Auction Group expands into the Atlanta market with the acquisition of VIP Auto Auction, which the companies made official on Sept. 1 and announced a few days later. 

Jim Smith, owner and operator of V.I.P. Auction, will have a partnership stake and work as general manager and vice president of DAA Atlanta. He has served the greater Atlanta area dealers since it opened in 2005. Smith's knowledge, skill, and experience, combined with DAAG’s processes and economies of scale, will provide auction customers with growing competitive automotive markets and services.

After adding the Cumming, Georgia location, DAAG expands its footprint to nine locations throughout the Southeast.

“David Andrews’ reputation, experience, brand, and his proven team at Dealers Auto Auction Group are a great fit for me and my team to grow," Smith said in a news release. "The timing of this acquisition is great for dealers and commercial clients looking for an auction offering high-level, personalized service in the Atlanta market."

Andrews, CEO of Dealers Auto Auction Group, said in the release, “As a premier auction service provider, DAAG expands the ability to provide services and facilities to additional key markets across the United States. DAAG continues to leverage traditional auction venues with new technology to create strong participation and interaction between our in-lane and on-line buyers and sellers."  

Warren Byrd of Keyscore Consulting was instrumental in putting this deal together. Byrd, a veteran auction industry advocate, spent decades negotiating acquisitions and building auctions. “The work on the VIP Auto Auction acquisition has been very gratifying, putting two experienced partners together under the Dealers Auto Auction Group," Byrd said.

Dealers Auto Auction Group was started in 2001, with its first auction in Horn Lake, Mississipi. In addition to Dealers Auto Auction Atlanta, DAAG’s now nine auction locations in the Southeast also include: Dealers Auto Auction of Jackson (Mississippi); Dealers Auto Auction of Memphis, Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, all in Tennessee, and Dealers Auto Auction East Tennessee; Dealers Auto Auction of Huntsville and Mobile, both in Alabama; Dealers Auto Auction of Columbia, S.C.  

Information:www.dealersauto.com