Columbiana Ford Transition to Prestige Auto Group Marks New Chapter

Transition of Ownership: Columbiana Ford to Prestige Auto Group

In a significant move within the automotive industry, Performance Brokerage Services has successfully facilitated the change of ownership of Columbiana Ford, located in Columbiana, Ohio. This transaction marks the passage of the dealership from Pillar Automotive to Prestige Auto Group, setting the stage for new opportunities ahead.

Columbiana Ford has a rich history, having been established in the early 1990s and becoming part of the Pillar Automotive family in 2021. Pillar Automotive manages other dealerships within Ohio and Pennsylvania, including Salem Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Grove City Ford. The recent transaction follows a successful track record, as Performance Brokerage Services has overseen nearly 450 dealership sales over the last five years, making it the leading dealership brokerage firm in North America.

Both parties involved in the transaction expressed high praise for the brokerage firm, noting the expertise and commitment of the team throughout the process. Matt Wickwire, a partner at Pillar Automotive, acknowledged the pivotal role of Performance Brokerage Services, specifically highlighting that Mark Shackelford and his team provided invaluable support and expertise. Wickwire stated, “The Shackelfords at Performance Brokerage Services were a great resource in the process of selling one of our dealerships. They responded promptly to our questions and worked hard to find qualified buyers who offered the best compensation for our assets.”

Owner of Prestige Auto Group, George Albanna, echoed similar sentiments about his collaboration with Performance Brokerage Services, stating, “Mark Shackelford, Jr. and Mark Shackelford, Sr. were exceptional to work with. They are highly experienced, extremely responsive, and truly dependable. I was impressed with their professionalism, honesty, and pride in their work, ensuring they represented my interests well.” His enthusiasm for the acquisition of Columbiana Ford is palpable; he notes, “As I continue to grow and expand, I fully expect to work with them again and confidently recommend them to anyone looking for trusted, top-tier dealer brokers.”

As part of the transaction, the dealership will undergo a rebranding to Prestige Ford while remaining at its current location. This change signifies not just a shift in ownership, but also a new chapter in the dealership's journey under the guidance of Albanna, who brings a strong vision and leadership skills.

Reflecting on this transition, Mark Shackelford, Sr. from Performance Brokerage Services stated, “Congratulations to George Albanna on acquiring his first dealership, Columbiana Ford. This is an exciting milestone that we are thrilled to be part of. We wish him tremendous success as he begins this new chapter.” He also expressed gratitude towards Pillar Automotive for their trust and collaboration during the selling process, emphasizing the pleasure of working alongside such a professional organization.

Performance Brokerage Services has built a reputation rooted in over 30 years of experience and integrity, specializing in dealership buy-sell activities across various sectors, including automotive, RVs, marine, powersports, and commercial truck segments. Their approach is unique, offering complimentary valuations and ensuring that their clients incur no upfront fees.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, with 12 regional offices throughout the United States and Canada, Performance Brokerage Services is well-equipped to provide national exposure combined with localized representation. They leverage an extensive network that includes industry-related attorneys, accountants, and numerous registered buyers, alongside lasting relationships with vehicle manufacturers.

For those interested in more information regarding the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, a visit to their website, Performance Brokerage Services, can provide a wealth of resources and insight.

In conclusion, the sale of Columbiana Ford is more than just a change of ownership; it represents new opportunities for both the dealership and its new owner, along with a celebration of the hard work undertaken by the Performance Brokerage Services team.