Franchise legislation in some states aims to eliminate automakers' ability to reassign dealership acquisition agreements to a buyer of their own choosing.
Bills to eliminate that right of first refusal on buy-sell deals have been introduced in West Virginia and California, and some dealer lawyers say they expect similar legislation will be brought forth in additional states.
Shawn Mercer, a partner with Bass Sox Mercer in Raleigh, N.C., said right of first refusal is prohibited in a minority of states today.