Bulldog Kia in Athens sold to two brothers in Macon; both UGA alumni

Bulldog Kia in Athens has a new owner.

Haig Partners, a firm out of Florida that handles numerous dealership sales and purchases, announced Monday that Butler Automotive Group based in Macon has purchased the dealership located on Atlanta Highway.

Butler Automotive, owned by brothers Marsh Butler and Morris Butler, now operate 15 dealerships in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, according to the release. They are University of Georgia alumni.

Bulldog Kia was owned by David Kernall, who in 2010 joined in a partnership with Keffer Auto Group to purchase the dealership. Kernall and his current business partner, James Hammond, obtained full ownership of the dealership in 2020, according to the release.

Kernall released a statement saying, “My proudest achievements have been the charitable work my team has done around the Athens community and the tight-knit family of employees that we’ve fosterd at Bulldog Kia.”

He also thanked the Haig Partners for developing the sale because “for me it wasn’t just about finding a buyer, it was about finding the right steward to carry on our same level of commitment to our customers, community and employees.”

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The Butlers own dealerships in several cities in Georgia including Atlanta, Union City, Valdosta, Milledgeville and Columbus, said Derik Garber, vice president for Haig Partners.

Buter Automotive owns about eight brands of automobiles including Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Honda, but they wanted to add Kia to their group, Garber said.

“They are both dawg alumni and one of their daughters goes to UGA so everything about it lined up for them,” said Garber, who said other groups also joined the bidding process to purchase the dealership.

“It’s good news for Athens,” Garber said. “Hopefully more jobs. They’re keeping everybody on and hopefully expanding it."

Marsh Butler, one of the new owners, released a statement saying he was looking forward to serving the Athens community.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Bulldog Kia in Athens sold to large automotive outfit in Macon