Dealer Direct Advisory
Charles J. SalehCPA, ABV, ASA, CEIV
CFO and Partner
National
Chief Financial Officer at Dealer Direct Advisory specializing in financial analysis, deal structuring, and valuation. Charles brings institutional rigor to every mandate, ensuring clients are represented with the credibility and precision that sophisticated transactions demand.
"The number on the page is only the starting point. The real work is building the financial narrative that makes a sophisticated buyer understand why that number is right."
Charles J. Saleh · On the art of dealership valuation and deal structuring
Biography
Charles J. Saleh is the Chief Financial Officer of Dealer Direct Advisory, leading the firm's financial analysis and deal structuring practice.
Charles's background spans formal business valuation, M&A financial modelling, and cross-border transaction advisory.
What distinguishes Charles is his ability to translate complex financial and operational data into clear, compelling transaction narratives.
He has been a key advisor on many of the firm's most significant transactions, including the sale of Toronto Honda, Pine View Hyundai, and the acquisition of Georgetown Chrysler by Georgetown Kia.
Advisory Philosophy
Charles believes that rigorous financial analysis is not just a technical exercise — it is the foundation of trust in a transaction.
Career History
Financial Analysis & Valuation
Built a foundation in financial analysis and business valuation.
M&A Advisory Practice
Developed a specialized M&A advisory practice with a focus on dealership valuations and deal structuring.
Chief Financial Officer, Dealer Direct Advisory
Joined Dealer Direct Advisory as CFO.
CFO — Financial Advisory Lead
Leads the firm's financial analysis and deal structuring practice.
Background & Credentials
M&A Advisory & Financial Analysis — 15+ Years of Active Practice
Automotive Retail Valuation Specialist — Blue-Sky & Goodwill Methodology
Canada & U.S. Cross-Border Transaction Experience
Private Equity & Institutional Buyer Advisory
Formal Business Valuation — CICBV Methodology
Areas of Expertise
Work With Charles
All inquiries are handled with complete discretion. Reach out to start a confidential conversation.
Get In Touch+1 (416) 543-9390Notable Transactions
Toronto Honda
Led the financial analysis and deal structuring for the sale of Toronto Honda to Canada One Auto Group.
Pine View Hyundai
Provided financial advisory and valuation services for the sale of Pine View Hyundai.
Georgetown Kia / Chrysler
Advised on the acquisition of Georgetown Chrysler by Georgetown Kia.
WEINS Auto Group
Provided financial advisory services to the WEINS Auto Group on a complex portfolio transaction.
Also on Our Team
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Paul Stern
CEO and Partner
Founding President & CEO of Dealer Direct Advisory. Paul has personally led some of the most significant automotive dealership transactions in Canadian history, with a career spanning $6B+ in deal values across sell-side, buy-side, and valuation mandates.
Ross Fattori
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with a strong background in automotive industry relationships and transaction advisory across Canada.
Frank Guzzo
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with a background in automotive industry operations and client advisory. Frank brings practical expertise and strong industry relationships to the firm's advisory practice.
Todd Mechalchuk
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with deep roots in the Canadian automotive industry and a strong track record in dealership transaction advisory.
Roy M. Meech
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail and dealership transaction advisory across Canada.
Tony Pierri
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with deep expertise in transaction execution, OEM approval processes, and client relationship management. Tony is known for his professionalism, dedication, and ability to guide clients through complex transitions with precision and care.
Dimitri Pressman
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory bringing expertise in automotive industry relationships and transaction support. Dimitri contributes to the firm's advisory practice with a focus on client service and deal execution.
Zohar Romm
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail transactions and dealer principal relationships across Canada.
Crystal Saulnier
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory bringing analytical rigour and a commitment to excellence to every mandate. Crystal supports the firm's advisory practice with research, analysis, and transaction execution.
Chris Smith
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with expertise in dealership transactions and automotive industry advisory across Canada.
Marcel Stirpe
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory with extensive experience in automotive retail operations and dealership transactions. Marcel brings deep industry relationships and operational expertise to every mandate.
Cindy Trimper
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory, bringing organizational excellence and operational precision to every mandate. Cindy is a trusted member of the advisory team with deep client relationships across Canada.
Steven Yao
Vice-President, Strategic Development
Mergers & Acquisitions Executive at Dealer Direct Advisory, leading the firm's Asia-Pacific advisory practice. Steven brings deep cross-border expertise and international buyer relationships to Canadian automotive dealership transactions.
Bing Wong
Strategic Partner, Practicing in Association
Strategic Partner practicing in association with Dealer Direct Advisory, bringing expertise in financial analysis and cross-border transaction advisory. Bing contributes analytical depth and international market perspective to the firm's practice.