Werley Honored as M&A Emerging Leader by Advisor
Advisor - People | Jun 10, 2025 | EIN
Brandon Werley, Managing Director at Dave Cantin Group (DCG), has been named as a recipient of the 2025 Emerging Leaders Award by M&A Advisor magazine, recognizing his accomplishments in the mergers and acquisitions sector under the age of 40. Werley's ascent at DCG, a leading automotive M&A advisory firm, is marked by his significant role in transformative transactions such as Apollo Global Management's $585 million acquisition of dealership properties. His industry contributions underscore DCG's commitment to skilled advisory services across North America's top automotive dealership groups. Since joining the workforce in 2018, Werley has rapidly progressed through notable firms including KPMG and Haig Partners, before solidifying his expertise at DCG. Brandon's leadership in a mid-eight-figure strategic divestiture earlier in 2025 highlights his capacity for driving significant automotive market shifts. DCG, renowned for its strategic approach and market intelligence tools, supports clients in optimizing their portfolios and executing informed M&A strategies. Their nonprofit initiative, DCG Giving, further accentuates their corporate ethos focused on societal contributions.
Sectors
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Automotive
- Finance
Geography
- United States – Brandon Werley is based in Pennsylvania, and DCG operates across North America, with a focus on U.S. automotive dealership groups.
Industry
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article focuses on the recognition and work within the M&A sector, especially in the automotive field.
- Automotive – DCG specializes in advising automotive dealership groups, making the automotive industry a primary sector in this context.
- Finance – The award highlights professionals in the finance sector, which involves financial due diligence and strategic transactions.
Financials
- $585 million – The transaction value for Apollo Global Management's acquisition of dealership properties.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Werley | Managing Director, Award Recipient | People | Recognized as a 2025 Emerging Leader by M&A Advisor; plays a significant role at DCG. |
| Dave Cantin Group (DCG) | Advisory Firm | Company | A leading automotive M&A advisory firm, involved in acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic intelligence. |
| Capital Automotive Real Estate Services Inc. | Target in a major past transaction | Company | Involved in a $585 million property acquisition deal with Apollo Global Management. |
| M&A Advisor Magazine | Award-Giving Entity | Company | Organizes the Emerging Leaders Awards, recognizing young professionals in the M&A sector. |
| Lithia Motors | Client, involved in transactions | Company | A major dealership group advised by Brandon Werley and DCG in significant divestiture deals. |
| KPMG | Former Employer | Company | Global accounting firm where Brandon Werley started his career. |