Agere Automotive buys BMW of Tri-Cities in first dealership deal

Agere Automotive has completed its first dealership acquisition with the purchase of BMW of Tri-Cities in Richland, Washington, launching the Agere Motors luxury portfolio. The company is also evaluating two additional acquisitions for possible completion in 2027 as it builds a disciplined expansion strategy.

Why it matters: - The BMW of Tri-Cities deal gives Agere Automotive its first operating dealership and a foothold in the luxury auto market. - The acquisition launches the Agere Motors dealership portfolio. - Agere is positioning itself as an owner-focused alternative to traditional dealership consolidation. - The company is targeting long-term growth through a network of premium dealerships, not rapid scale.

What happened: - Agere Automotive announced the acquisition of BMW of Tri-Cities on September 3, 2026. - The dealership is at 955 Aaron Drive in Richland, Washington. - BMW of Tri-Cities serves customers in the Tri-Cities region and Eastern Washington. - The store sells new BMW vehicles, BMW Certified and pre-owned vehicles, and provides financing, factory-authorized service and genuine BMW parts.

The details: - Agere founder and CEO Kjell D. Schei said the purchase reflects nearly three decades in automotive retail and marks the start of a new ownership chapter. - Schei said he grew up around a family dealership and has worked across dealership roles from lot attendant to dealer principal. - His background includes leadership roles with Barrier Motors, BMW of Bellevue, Porsche Bellevue and Porsche Irvine. - At Barrier Motors, Schei helped lead and expand a luxury automotive group representing Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volvo. - Schei later led BMW of Bellevue and helped make it one of the most successful BMW dealerships in its national dealer group. - Agere Automotive was created to acquire and operate premier luxury dealerships while preserving each store’s people, culture, community ties and operating strengths. - The company says it evaluates what has made a dealership successful before making changes and backs employees with experienced leadership, operational resources and investment. - Agere said customers at BMW of Tri-Cities will keep access to the BMW lineup, pre-owned inventory, financing, factory-trained service and genuine BMW parts. - The company said the transaction shows it can move from concept to execution with a team experienced in dealership operations, mergers and acquisitions, legal structuring and luxury retail. - The company included a LinkedIn post for more information: the company’s social media update.

Between the lines: - Schei’s comments frame the deal as both a business transaction and a personal milestone. - The emphasis on preserving staff, customer relationships and dealership identity suggests Agere is trying to reassure sellers and employees during ownership transitions. - The strategy contrasts with roll-up models that often move quickly to standardize operations. - Agere is trying to signal discipline, not just ambition, as it enters the dealership acquisition market.

What’s next: - Agere said it is evaluating two additional dealership acquisition opportunities for possible completion in 2027. - Those opportunities still depend on due diligence, manufacturer approval, definitive agreements and customary closing conditions. - Agere plans to build on BMW of Tri-Cities with a focus on customer experience, employee development, operational excellence and community involvement. - Schei said the company will keep its acquisition pace deliberate and choose dealerships that strengthen the organization and support employees, customers and communities.

The bottom line: - Agere Automotive has turned its dealership acquisition strategy into reality with a luxury-brand flagship purchase and a measured pipeline behind it.