EX-5.1 2 d37329dex51.htm EX-5.1 EX-5.1

Exhibit 5.1

[Jones Day Letterhead]

August 14, 2020

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

2905 Premiere Parkway, NW, Suite 300

Duluth, Georgia 30097

 

  Re:

Registration Statement on Form S-4 Filed by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Relating to the Exchange Offer (as defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below) in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to which this opinion has been filed as an exhibit (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement relates to the proposed issuance and exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) of up to $280,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2028 of the Company (the “2028 Exchange Notes”) and up to $320,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2030 of the Company (the “2030 Exchange Notes,” and together with the 2028 Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) for an equal aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2028 of the Company outstanding on the date hereof (the “2028 Outstanding Notes”) and 4.75% Senior Notes due 2030 of the Company outstanding on the date hereof (the “2030 Outstanding Notes,” and together with the 2028 Outstanding Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”). The Outstanding Notes have been, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued pursuant to the Indenture relating to the 2028 Outstanding Notes, dated as of February 19, 2020, and the Indenture relating to the 2030 Outstanding Notes, dated as of February 19, 2020 (collectively, the “Indentures”), by and among the Company, the guarantors listed on Annex A hereto (each, a “Covered Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Covered Guarantors”), the guarantors listed on Annex B hereto (each, an “Other Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Other Guarantors”; such Other Guarantors and the Covered Guarantors collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Outstanding Notes are, and the Exchange Notes will be, guaranteed (each, a “Subsidiary Guarantee”) on a joint and several basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors.

In connection with the opinions expressed herein, we have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have deemed relevant or necessary for purposes of such opinions.

Based on the foregoing, and subject to the further limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

  LOGO

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

August 14, 2020

Page 2

  

 

1. The Exchange Notes, when they are executed by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the applicable Indentures and issued and delivered in exchange for the Outstanding Notes in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.

2. The Subsidiary Guarantee of the Exchange Notes (each, an “Exchange Guarantee”) of each Covered Guarantor, when it is issued and delivered in exchange for the Subsidiary Guarantee of the Outstanding Notes (each, an “Outstanding Guarantee”) of that Covered Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of that Covered Guarantor.

3. The Exchange Guarantee of each Other Guarantor, when it is issued and delivered in exchange for the Outstanding Guarantee of that Other Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of that Other Guarantor.

The opinions set forth above are subject to the following limitations, qualifications and assumptions:

For purposes of the opinions expressed herein, we have assumed that (i) the Trustee has authorized, executed and delivered the applicable Indentures and that the Indentures are the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Trustee and (ii) the Outstanding Notes have been duly authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the applicable Indentures.

For the purposes of our opinion set forth in paragraph 3 above, we have further assumed that (i) each of the Other Guarantors is a corporation or limited liability company existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization as listed opposite such Other Guarantor’s name on Annex B hereto (each, a “Jurisdiction”); (ii) the applicable Indentures and the Exchange Guarantees (a) have been authorized by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action, as applicable, of each of the Other Guarantors and (b) have been executed and delivered by each of the Other Guarantors under the laws of the applicable Jurisdiction; and (iii) the execution, delivery, performance and compliance with the terms and provisions of the applicable Indentures and the Exchange Guarantees by each of the Other Guarantors do not violate or conflict with the laws of the applicable Jurisdiction, the provisions of its articles of incorporation, bylaws or other similar formation or organizational documents, as applicable, or any rule, regulation, order, decree, judgment, instrument or agreement binding upon or applicable to such Other Guarantor or its properties.

The opinions expressed herein are limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance, voidable preference, moratorium or other similar laws, and related regulations and judicial doctrines from time to time in effect relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and (ii) general equitable principles and public policy considerations, whether such principles and considerations are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

  LOGO

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

August 14, 2020

Page 3

  

 

As to facts material to the opinions and assumptions expressed herein, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, and the laws of the State of Florida, in each case as currently in effect, and we express no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to Jones Day under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Jones Day

Annex A

COVERED GUARANTORS

 

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

AF Motors, L.L.C.

    Delaware

ANL, L.P.

    Delaware

Arkansas Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury AR Niss L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Arlington MB, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta AC L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta AU L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta BM L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta CHEV, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Chevrolet L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Ford, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Hon L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Hund L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Inf L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Infiniti L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Jaguar L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta K L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Lex L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Nis II, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Nis L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Toy 2 L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta Toy L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta VB L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Atlanta VL L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Austin JLR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Arkansas Dealership Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Atlanta II L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Atlanta L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Brandon, L.P.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Central Florida, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Deland, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Fresno L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Jacksonville GP L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Jacksonville, L.P.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Management L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Mississippi L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive North Carolina Dealership Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive North Carolina Management L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive North Carolina Real Estate Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C.

    Delaware

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

Asbury Automotive Southern California L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive St. Louis II L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive St. Louis, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Tampa GP L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Tampa, L.P.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Texas L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive Texas Real Estate Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Automotive West, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury CH Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury CO CDJR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury CO SUB, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas BEN, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas KAR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas MAS, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas MB, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas MCL, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas POR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas RR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Dallas VOL, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Deland Hund, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Deland Imports 2, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury DFW JLR, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Fort Worth MB, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Fresno Imports L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Ft. Worth Ford, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Georgia TOY, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Grapevine LEX, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN CBG, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN CDJ, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN CHEV, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN FORD, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN HON, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury IN TOY, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Indy Chev, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Jax AC, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Jax Ford, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Jax Holdings, L.P.

    Delaware

Asbury Jax Hon L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Jax K L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Jax Management L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Jax VW L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury MS CHEV L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury MS Gray-Daniels L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury No Cal Niss L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Plano LEX, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury Sacramento Imports L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury SC JPV L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury SC LEX L.L.C.

    Delaware

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

Asbury SC Toy L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury So Cal DC L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury So Cal Hon L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury So Cal Niss L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury South Carolina Real Estate Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury St. Louis Cadillac L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury St. Louis FSKR, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury St. Louis Lex L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury St. Louis LR L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury St. Louis M L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Tampa Management L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Texas D FSKR, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury Texas H FSKR, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Asbury TX Auction, LLC

    Delaware

Asbury-Deland Imports, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Atlanta Real Estate Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Avenues Motors, Ltd.

    Florida

Bayway Financial Services, L.P.

    Delaware

BFP Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

C & O Properties, Ltd.

    Florida

Camco Finance II L.L.C.

    Delaware

CFP Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

CH Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

CHO Partnership, Ltd.

    Florida

CK Chevrolet L.L.C.

    Delaware

CK Motors LLC

    Delaware

CN Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

Coggin Automotive Corp.

    Florida

Coggin Cars L.L.C.

    Delaware

Coggin Chevrolet L.L.C.

    Delaware

Coggin Management, L.P.

    Delaware

CP-GMC Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown CHH L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown CHO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown CHV L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown FDO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown FFO Holdings L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown FFO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GAC L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GBM L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GCA L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GDO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GHO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GNI L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GPG L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown GVO L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown Motorcar Company L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown PBM L.L.C.

    Delaware

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

Crown RIA L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown RIB L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown SJC L.L.C.

    Delaware

Crown SNI L.L.C.

    Delaware

CSA Imports L.L.C.

    Delaware

Escude-NN L.L.C.

    Delaware

Escude-NS L.L.C.

    Delaware

Escude-T L.L.C.

    Delaware

Florida Automotive Services L.L.C.

    Delaware

HFP Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

JC Dealer Systems, LLC

    Delaware

KP Motors L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Austin-Acra L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Frisco-Hon L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Grande, L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Houston-Hon, L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Houston-Niss, L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Irving-Hon, L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Outfitters, L.L.C.

    Delaware

McDavid Plano-Acra, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Mid-Atlantic Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Mississippi Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Missouri Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

NP FLM L.L.C.

    Delaware

NP MZD L.L.C.

    Delaware

NP VKW L.L.C.

    Delaware

Plano Lincoln-Mercury, Inc.

    Delaware

Precision Computer Services, Inc.

    Florida

Precision Enterprises Tampa, Inc.

    Florida

Precision Infiniti, Inc.

    Florida

Precision Motorcars, Inc.

    Florida

Precision Nissan, Inc.

    Florida

Premier NSN L.L.C.

    Delaware

Premier Pon L.L.C.

    Delaware

Prestige Bay L.L.C.

    Delaware

Prestige Toy L.L.C.

    Delaware

Q Automotive Brandon FL, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Cumming GA, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Ft. Myers FL, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Group L.L.C.

    Delaware

Q Automotive Holiday FL, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Jacksonville FL, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Kennesaw GA, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Orlando FL, LLC

    Delaware

Q Automotive Tampa FL, LLC

    Delaware

Southern Atlantic Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Tampa Hund, L.P.

    Delaware

Tampa Kia, L.P.

    Delaware

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

Tampa LM, L.P.

    Delaware

Tampa Mit, L.P.

    Delaware

Texas Automotive Services, L.L.C.

    Delaware

Thomason Dam L.L.C.

    Delaware

Thomason FRD L.L.C.

    Delaware

Thomason Hund L.L.C.

    Delaware

Thomason Pontiac-GMC L.L.C.

    Delaware

WMZ Motors, L.P.

    Delaware

WTY Motors, L.P.

    Delaware

Annex B

OTHER GUARANTORS

 

Entity

    State of
Incorporation
or Organization

Crown Acura/Nissan, LLC

    North Carolina

Crown Honda, LLC

    North Carolina

Thomason Auto Credit Northwest, Inc.

    Oregon