Franchise Equity Partners Takes Major Step in Expansion by Acquiring IMO Car Wash

Franchise Equity Partners Expands with IMO Car Wash Acquisition

In a significant move to broaden its international presence, Franchise Equity Partners, LP (FEP) has announced its first acquisition outside the United States by purchasing IMO Car Wash, the world’s leading tunnel car wash operator. This agreement, disclosed on December 2, 2025, secures FEP’s ownership of IMO’s extensive network of 720 locations, primarily found in the United Kingdom and Germany, along with additional sites in nine European countries and Australia.

Founded over six decades ago, IMO Car Wash has established itself as a reputable and trusted brand in the car wash industry, catering to millions of customers each year. Its business model focuses on high-volume transactions at various conveniently located sites, allowing for quick and efficient services. The diverse portfolio of car wash locations, combined with a seasoned management team, positions IMO favorably in the competitive landscape.

Scott Romanoff, Co-Managing Partner at FEP, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition by 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.” He highlighted FEP’s commitment to optimizing performance and driving growth within IMO’s established structure, leveraging existing retail partnerships and capitalizing on the brand’s robust customer base.

Mike Esposito, Co-Managing Partner at FEP, noted that this acquisition symbolizes a deliberate step towards expanding FEP's multi-unit retail presence beyond U.S. borders into Europe and potentially other regions. He expressed confidence in the operational potential of IMO, stating, “This investment signifies our commitment to scaling our operations in resilient industries.”

As FEP takes the reins of IMO, the focus will pivot towards amplifying wash volumes, enhancing customer experiences, and optimizing strategic retail collaborations. The relationships IMO has cultivated with various retailers across the UK and EU will be instrumental in providing increased traffic not only for IMO’s operations but also for its retail partners.

Adam Green, President of IMO Car Wash, welcomed the partnership with FEP, acknowledging their understanding of the brand’s heritage and future potential. Green stated, “Their long-term approach, commitment to operational excellence, and extensive experience in multi-unit business models make them an ideal partner to unlock further value from our network.”

This acquisition aligns with FEP's overarching strategy, which focuses on partnering with top-tier operators in sectors that exhibit strong growth and operational resilience. By employing a strategic approach to scaling brands like IMO Car Wash, FEP is set to redefine the customer experience within the car wash industry while fortifying its position in the European marketplace.

In conclusion, the acquisition of IMO Car Wash marks a pivotal milestone for Franchise Equity Partners as it seeks to expand its footprint and strengthen its portfolio in the franchise sector. This strategic move not only highlights FEP’s commitment to operational excellence but also sets the stage for a new chapter of growth for IMO Car Wash, ensuring they remain a formidable player in the industry for years to come.