BOARDMAN — A well-established and longtime western Pennsylvania-based automotive retailer has made the latest inroads into the Mahoning Valley by acquiring Boardman Nissan.

“We are excited to expand our presence on Market Street’s robust auto row in Boardman,” Rob Cochran, president and chief executive officer of #1 Cochran, said during a news conference Thursday at the dealership, 7809 Market St., to announce the acquisition.

He noted that it was a private transaction and gave no cost figure.

Boardman Nissan will operate as #1 Cochran Nissan Boardman. Almost all of the employees will be joining #1 Cochran, which will increase the business’s team member count to more than 1,535, according to a statement the automotive retailer released.

“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 that I’m leaving my customers and co-workers in such accomplished hands,” Matt Wickwire, Boardman Nissan president, said in a statement.

“It’s been five months that we started our journey in Youngstown,” Cochran said, referring to having bought Sweeney Chevrolet, Buick GMC in January. “We like the density of Market Street; we like the density of choice for our customers.”

The 102-year-old former Sweeney Chevrolet also is on Market Street and now bears the Cochran name.

Cochran added that the acquisition also is aligned with his company’s growth strategy that includes establishing greater roots in the Youngstown market, along with building upon Boardman Nissan’s success.

During Thursday’s news conference, Cochran said he looks forward to working with area stakeholders and contributing to the local community. Transparency in relationships with customers also is a significant part of the Cochran philosophy and culture, he continued.

Cochran noted that his business has “an excellent history” with Nissan that includes four locations in the Pittsburgh region.

The transaction also included a nearby 14,000-square-foot plaza that #1 Cochran plans to use to support its growing operations while evaluating other, more specific marketing plans.

#1 Cochran’s first store was a Pontiac dealership that opened in 1965 and over the years, it has become western Pennsylvania’s largest automotive retailer, its website shows.

Today, the business runs 34 new-vehicle franchises made up of 19 domestic and imported brands. Its footprint also is in five western Pennsylvania counties surrounding Pittsburgh.