Franchise Equity Partners Expands Horizons with Acquisition of IMO Car Wash

Franchise Equity Partners Makes Strategic Move with IMO Car Wash Acquisition

Franchise Equity Partners, LP (FEP), a prominent private investment firm, has recently announced its acquisition of IMO Car Wash, the world’s leading tunnel car wash operator. This significant transaction involves a portfolio that comprises 720 locations primarily in the United Kingdom and Germany, with a presence in several other European nations and Australia.

Founded six decades ago, IMO Car Wash has become a trusted name in the car wash industry, serving millions of customers each year with its efficient, high-volume service model. The company is renowned for its diversified operations and is backed by a management team with considerable expertise in the car wash sector.

Scott Romanoff, Co-Managing Partner at FEP, expressed confidence in the acquisition, stating, “We believe IMO represents a rare opportunity to acquire a market-leading, long-standing brand with a highly defensible footprint and a strong operating team.” FEP aims to optimize and enhance the performance of IMO’s existing locations, leveraging its established customer base, retail partnerships, and capable leadership to stimulate organic growth.

Mike Esposito, another Co-Managing Partner at FEP, highlighted that this transaction marks FEP's inaugural foray outside the United States. He emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, which is expected to lay the groundwork for FEP’s expansion in the UK and other international markets, building on their successful multi-unit retail presence in the U.S.

Under the new ownership of FEP, IMO Car Wash will focus on boosting wash volumes while enhancing customer experiences. The company's strong relationships with retailers across the UK and Europe, where car washes are often located on-site, effectively drive additional customer traffic for both IMO and its retail partners.

Adam Green, President of IMO Car Wash, remarked on the acquisition as a crucial milestone for the brand. He noted that FEP recognizes both the heritage and future potential of IMO. Their commitment to operational excellence and their extensive experience in managing multi-unit business models provide a perfect synergy for future growth.

As IMO operates in a resilient industry with significant scale, brand recognition, and operational efficiency, the acquisition aligns neatly with FEP’s strategy of partnering with leading operators. This move is anticipated to create sustainable competitive advantages within the car wash sector.

In conclusion, the acquisition of IMO Car Wash illustrates FEP's strategic ambition to broaden its franchise portfolio and drive innovation in the car wash industry. By focusing on optimizing the existing operations of IMO, FEP aims to unlock further value from the established brand while expanding its footprint in the international market.

For more details about Franchise Equity Partners and its operations, visit Franchise Equity Partners.