Vanguard acquires Nacarato Truck Centers

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Updated Jan 11, 2024
Vanguard purchasing Nacarato Truck Centers
Vanguard Truck Centers has acquired Nacarato Truck Centers. Pictured (L-R) Will Blue, CFO, Vanguard Truck Centers; Lloyd Baldridge, CFO, Nacarato Truck Centers; Mike Nacarato, CEO, Nacarato Truck Centers; Tom Ewing, president and CEO, Vanguard Truck Centers; and Pat Daily, COO, Nacarato Truck Centers.
Volvo Trucks North America

Vanguard Truck Centers has acquired Nacarato Truck Centers to become one of Volvo Trucks’ largest dealer groups in North America.

The acquisition was announced by Volvo Trucks North America on Wednesday expands Vanguard’s presence to 39 Volvo full-service and parts-and-service-only locations across 12 states — Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Vanguard has assumed full ownership of the Nacarato locations, including all existing stock and parts, Volvo says.

Founded in Nashville, Tenn., in 1976, Nacarato Truck Centers established itself as a key player in the commercial truck industry with a network of nine Volvo Trucks dealerships and service centers throughout Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia. Nacarato Truck Centers prioritizes a holistic sales and service approach, emphasizing comprehensive transportation solutions and customer satisfaction.

[RELATED: A 2023 buy-sell wrap up of dealership transaction activity]

Vanguard says this strategic acquisition not only reflects the value of the Nacarato brand and its expertise in the commercial truck market, but also underscores its role as a trusted partner for customers seeking quality solutions within the Volvo Trucks ecosystem.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Nacarato Truck Centers to the Vanguard team,” says Tom Ewing, president and CEO at Vanguard Truck Centers. “I have been friends with Mike Nacarato and his team for many years, and I have a tremendous respect for the platform they’ve built. We are grateful for Mike’s trust in Vanguard to steward his company moving forward, something we do not take lightly. Bringing together our dealer groups will be a fun challenge, with enormous opportunity for employees and customers of both organizations. Lastly, this investment indicates Vanguard’s continued belief in Volvo Trucks’ long-term positive trajectory, with best-in-class products and services for our customers.” 

The Nacarato and Vanguard teams will work closely to ensure a smooth ownership transition.

Vanguard plans to retain all existing Nacarato employees, with CEO Mike Nacarato continuing to lead Nacarato Truck Centers under its existing brand. "Over time, the groups will look for ways to leverage the combined scale of our network and strength of our teams to achieve more together for our customers and employees,” says Ewing. "For now, our primary goal is to support the Nacarato team as they continue to grow while providing excellent customer service.” 

[RELATED: Industry transaction pace increased in December]

“I have been searching for the right partner over the last few years, and through that process it became clear that Vanguard was the best fit for our employees, our customers and our growth aspirations.” says Mike Nacarato. “Our commitment to customer satisfaction remains unwavering throughout this ownership transition and nothing will change for our customers. Our capabilities and offerings will only be enhanced by this combination, as we embark on this new chapter of growth and success together.” 

Adds Volvo Trucks President Peter Voorhoeve, “This acquisition is not just about numbers — it's about joining two exemplary dealer groups to implement best practices, bolster synergies and continue growing customer satisfaction, expanding customer access to the seamless support and services they have come to expect from both dealer groups. At Volvo Trucks, our commitment to excellent customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We commend Vanguard for going beyond expectations, delivering not just trucks but comprehensive, best-in-class service solutions that maximize uptime for our customers and empower them with transportation solutions that keep their businesses moving forward.”  

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