A leading Louisiana auto group has been acquired by one of the biggest groups in the country, ending a nearly 40-year local family business run.

The Baton Rouge-area All Star Automotive Group of 15 franchises across a dozen stores changed hands to South Carolina-based buyer Hudson Automotive Group in a sale brokered by Kerrian Advisors.

What started as a lone Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealership in 1987 by Matt McKay grew into the state capital region’s leading auto group. Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s most populous parish.

The group represents the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Chevrolet, Ford and Lincoln, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, Nissan and Toyota brands, all within a 10-mile radius. The stores generate nearly 20% of the market’s new-vehicles sales, Kerrigan said.

“This was an important and emotional transaction for our family,” said All Star founder Matt McKay, who decided to retire.

“Hudson Automotive is a well-established, highly respected organization, and we have no doubt that our employees, customers and community will benefit from their commitment to excellence.”

Hudson is in its third generation of family ownership. Its some 55 stores stretch from its home state to Alabama, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.

Hudson Auto CEO David Hudson said the group plans to retain All Star’s 700 employees. “We look forward to honoring All Star’s legacy, serving the Baton Rouge community, and continuing the tradition of excellence that has defined these dealerships for decades.”

McKay’s community involvement over All Star’s history includes his financial contribution toward the establishment of the McKay Automotive Technology Center at Baton Rouge Community College in 2017 to train service technicians. Kerrigan said he wanted to honor the legacy of his father, who taught school.

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