Performance Brokerage Services Advises on the Sale of Fred Martin Mercedes-Benz and Ford of Youngstown, Ohio to Top-50 Dealer Group, #1 Cochran Automotive Group

Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Fred Martin of Youngstown, Ohio, which includes both the Mercedes-Benz and Ford dealerships, to Top-50 Dealer Group, #1 Cochran Automotive Group

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Fred Martin of Youngstown, Ohio, which includes both the Mercedes-Benz and Ford dealerships, from Fred Martin to Rob Cochran of #1 Cochran Automotive Group.

#1 Cochran Automotive Group was established in 1965 by Bob Cochran in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, starting with a single Pontiac dealership. By 1989, Cochran Pontiac had reached a milestone as the world leader in Pontiac retail sales. In 1991, Bob's son, Rob Cochran, stepped into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, ensuring his father's legacy would continue. After Bob's passing in 1993, Rob honored his father's vision, leading the company through decades of remarkable growth.

Today, #1 Cochran Automotive Group has grown into one of the nation's largest automotive retailers, with more than 30 dealerships operating across Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company represents 20 automotive brands and employs around 1,900 dedicated individuals, continuing to build on the strong foundation established by Bob Cochran. According to the 2024 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups, #1 Cochran Automotive Group is ranked in the top 50 based on 2023 new vehicle retail sales units.

After the sale, Fred Martin commented, "It would really be impossible for me to thank Mark Shackelford of Performance Brokerage Services enough for his help in the sale of my dealerships. On January 15, 2025, I was able to retire after 52 years as a Ford dealer and 39 years with Mercedes-Benz. The sale was because of Mark! His determination and persistence could not have been better. When I had questions, he was there with solutions. Phone calls were always returned quickly, and he was always there to help. To put it simply, Mark was great."

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. This transaction was a collaborative effort led by Mark Shackelford, Sr. and Mark Shackelford, Jr. of the Midwest Office East, along with Gershon Rosenzweig, Matt Wilkins, and Jacob Stoehr of the Northeast Office for Performance Brokerage Services. Collectively, they served as the exclusive sell-side advisors.

Mark Shackelford, Sr. stated, "It was a pleasure to work with Fred Martin on delivering him a buyer for his Mercedes-Benz and Ford dealerships. I have known Fred for many years and had the opportunity to work for him back in my younger days. As he got closer to retiring, Fred allowed my son and me to represent him in the sale of his two franchises to Rob Cochran. It was a pleasure to work with great clients in this transaction and manage the process from start to finish. We wish Fred a well-deserved retirement and are excited to see what Rob Cochran and his team accomplish with their new acquisition. Our end game is to make every transaction a win-win for both the buyer and the seller! Thank you, Fred and Rob, for allowing us to be part of your success!"

Rob Cochran shared, "Mark Shackelford and the Performance Brokerage Services team helped to foster a trusting relationship between buyer and seller."

Fred Martin of Youngstown will be renamed Mercedes-Benz of Youngstown and #1 Cochran Ford Youngstown and will remain at their current locations at 4701 Mahoning Avenue and 7955 Market Street in Youngstown, Ohio.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships.

With over 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 9 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Alberta and Ontario, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.

Media Contact:
Jesse Stopnitzky, Co-Owner
(949) 309-2851
[email protected] 

SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc.