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Pittsburgh auto dealer expands in Valley

#1 Cochran acquires Flynn Automotive Group in eastern Ohio

BOARDMAN — Pittsburgh-based auto dealer #1 Cochran has acquired the Flynn Automotive Group, which includes two dealerships in Boardman, a third in East Liverpool and a fourth in Columbiana, according to a release late Wednesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it covers The Honda Store and Donnell Ford; Power Chevrolet, Buick, GMC; and Columbiana Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, as well as a collision center in Columbiana.

The acquisition “significantly enhances” #1 Cochran’s presence in Boardman, where it now has five stores and six brands in the township’s automotive corridor, the release states.

“We are excited to expand our presence in and around Boardman,” Rob Cochran, #1 Cochran president and chief executive, said. “With now six high-demand brands within minutes of one another, we are able to offer customers more choices, greater value, and increased access to our signature, transparent car buying experience.”

#1 Cochran entered the Youngstown market in January, acquiring the 102-year-old Sweeney Chevrolet, Buick, GMC dealerships. In June, the company purchased Boardman Nissan.

“We had our sights set on this dynamic automotive hub for quite some time. When the Sweeney opportunity arose, we viewed it as the ideal point of entry, and we’ve been forging ahead ever since,” Cochran said.

Most of the Flynn Group’s 225 employees are joining #1 Cochran, bringing the company’s total team member count to more than 1,800.

#1 Cochran, the largest automotive retailer in western Pennsylvania, also this year acquired two dealerships in the Pittsburgh metro area — Monroeville Ford in June and South Hills Honda in Peters Township in August.

The company, founded in 1965, now operates more than 38 new vehicle franchises that represent 19 domestic and imported brands across seven Ohio and Pennsylvania counties. It also operates 11 collision centers and a centralized wholesale parts distribution center. Through its various sales, service, parts, collision and administrative operations, the company employs more than 1,800 people.

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