Auto dealer #1 Cochran expands in Ohio

Auto retailer #1 Cochran is expanding with another purchase in eastern Ohio.

The Pittsburgh car dealership chain is acquiring the Flynn Automotive Group for an undisclosed amount.

It’s the fifth deal this year for #1 Cochran.

The transaction includes The Honda Store and Donnell Ford, both in Boardman, Ohio; Power Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in East Liverpool, Ohio; and Columbiana Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac. A Columbiana collision center is also changing hands.

“We are excited to expand our presence in and around Boardman,” said Rob Cochran, #1 Cochran president and CEO. “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.”

The company first entered the Youngstown, Ohio, market in January with the purchase of 102-year-old Sweeney Chevrolet, Buick, GMC. The company purchased Boardman Nissan five months later.

Cochran said the company had been eying the area for some time.

“When the Sweeney opportunity arose, we viewed it as the ideal point of entry,” he said.

Most of the Flynn Group’s 225 employees are joining #1 Cochran, bringing the company’s total workforce about 1,800. Flynn was founded in 1974.

The Ohio deal comes on the heels of another in August, when Cochran snapped up South Hills Honda in Peters Township.