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Franchise Equity Partners Welcomes Chris Holzshu as Operating Partner

New York, October 27, 2026 – Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a prominent private equity firm dedicated to franchise and multi-unit businesses, has made an exciting announcement regarding its leadership team. Chris Holzshu, a highly regarded executive with over two decades of experience in the automotive retail industry, is set to join FEP as an Operating Partner. His appointment signifies a strategic move aimed at enhancing the firm’s investment strategy in the automotive sector, reflecting FEP's commitment to growth and innovation.

Holzshu’s role will involve collaborating closely with FEP’s investment and operational teams to explore, assess, and drive new opportunities within the automotive landscape. His extensive background includes engaging with dealership owners, brokers, and renowned management teams, all with a focus on establishing partnerships that will mutually benefit the participants.

A Track Record of Achievement

Before joining Franchise Equity Partners, Holzshu amassed valuable experience through his more than 20 years tenure at Lithia Driveway, one of the leading automotive retailers in the nation. His ascent through the organization saw him hold key positions, including that of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. Notably, Holzshu played a pivotal role in integrating numerous acquisitions and enhancing operational efficiency, which contributed to Lithia’s evolution into one of the largest automotive retail conglomerates globally.

FEP recognizes the impact of Holzshu's wealth of knowledge regarding successful strategies in the auto retail sector. Mike Esposito and Scott Romanoff, Co-Founders of FEP, expressed their enthusiasm about Holzshu’s addition, stating, "Chris brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build and run an enduring business in the automotive industry, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the FEP team. His experience strengthens our investment capabilities and expands the resources we can offer prospective partners." This sentiment highlights the strong alignment between Holzshu's values and FEP's goal of channeling capital and resources effectively to explore new partnerships.

Exploring New Horizons Together

As part of his new role at FEP, Holzshu will not only identify potential investment opportunities across various automotive segments but also reinforce collaborations with dealership owners and OEM partners. The overarching goal is to support performance at the store level, bolster operational relationships, and ultimately empower partners to achieve sustainable growth over the long term.

FEP's portfolio in the automotive sector is robust, with recent investments showcasing a commitment to diverse automotive retail partnerships, including minority interests in Georgica Automotive Holdings, Parks Automotive Group, and SoCal Penske Dealer Group. Collectively, these partnerships span 41 dealership locations across seven states and represent a variety of 20 automotive brands. Additionally, the firm has interests in automotive service platforms such as IMO Car Wash and Velocity Auto Care, which further solidifies its presence across the industry.

Holzshu’s vision resonates deeply within the current dynamics of the automotive industry, emphasizing high performance and enduring relationships. "I have spent the majority of my career helping build and grow teams in the automotive industry, and I have seen firsthand how success is based on high-performing leaders who leverage disciplined execution and lasting customer and OEM relationships to deliver results," Holzshu commented on his new role. His commitment to forging meaningful connections is a promising aspect of FEP's strategic vision.

About Franchise Equity Partners

Franchise Equity Partners specializes in private investment with a focus on franchise businesses and their owners. With a robust fund of $2 billion in committed capital, FEP employs an innovative approach that combines extensive financial acumen with hands-on operational experience. This empowers franchisees to thrive by simplifying ownership structures and facilitating succession planning among other strategic initiatives.

As Chris Holzshu embarks on this new journey at Franchise Equity Partners, the firm looks forward to leveraging his knowledge to expand their influence within the automotive sector, harnessing opportunities for innovation and partnership while continuing its tradition of excellence in franchise investment.