#1 Cochran Acquires Boardman Nissan Dealership
BOARDMAN, Ohio – A Pittsburgh-based auto group has made its second acquisition in the Mahoning Valley, just five months after its major purchase of the Sweeney group’s two local auto franchises – Sweeney Chevrolet and Sweeney Buick GMC.
#1 Cochran announced Thursday that it has acquired Boardman Nissan at 7809 Market St., increasing the company’s presence along Boardman’s auto corridor and in the Buckeye State.
“We like density in a market,” said Rob Cochran, president and CEO of #1 Cochran, during a press event at the Nissan dealership. “We like choice for our customers. Given the proximity of this store, it made a lot of sense.”
The Boardman location is #1 Cochran’s fifth Nissan dealership, Cochran said. “We’ve had a lot of experience with Nissan, a lot of good connections with their executive leadership.” The auto group operates four other Nissan stores in the greater Pittsburgh region.
He also said that from a parts perspective, there are synergies with the dealership’s Chevrolet store and its Buick GMC showroom, which are located just a half-mile south of the Nissan franchise on Market Street.
“We think a bit of a larger presence is a good thing,” Cochran said.
Nearly all of the approximately 35 employees will be joining #1 Cochran Nissan Boardman, Cochran said.
Matt Wickwire, president of Boardman Nissan, said the dealership is in good hands with the Cochran group.
“Selling a business that I have been so personally involved with for 15 years was a difficult decision, but it was made much easier knowing I’m leaving my customers and co-workers in such accomplished hands,” Wickwire said in a statement. “#1 Cochran is a world-class organization, and I will enjoy watching them flourish with this store for years to come.”
The transaction also includes a 14,000-square-foot plaza located next to the dealership at 7807 Market St. The company plans to use this space to support its dealer operations in Boardman and potentially other functions.
Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Cochran also said the dealership would undergo “significant” renovations in the future that would accommodate the Nissan brand’s new lineup of electric vehicles. “There’s more to come,” he added.
The Nissan dealership is Cochran’s second acquisition in the Mahoning Valley and second in Ohio.
In January, #1 Cochran purchased the two Sweeney dealerships, and the CEO said he’s very happy with the business and the dealership’s people.
“We’re very pleased – we have a lot of quality people,” Cochran said. “We’re really blown away by the community and the way people have reached out and invited us to various functions.”
With this latest acquisition, #1 Cochran – the largest automotive retailer in western Pennsylvania – now operates 34 showrooms representing 19 brands.
Pictured at top: Rob Cochran, president and CEO of #1 Cochran.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
