Car Washes
Express and full-service car wash chains
What PE Ownership Means for This Industry
$15B+ invested since 2020
PE firms have poured billions into the car wash industry
PE firms invested over $15 billion in car wash acquisitions and roll-ups since 2020. Express car wash chains are a favorite PE target due to recurring subscription revenue and low labor costs.
Source: Car Wash Advisory, 2024
20-30% price increase
Subscription prices rising as PE consolidates car wash market
As PE-backed chains dominate local markets, monthly unlimited wash memberships have risen 20-30%. Independent car washes are being squeezed out or acquired at below-market rates.
Source: IBIS World, 2024
PE-Owned Brands
Mister Car Wash
Owned by Leonard Green & Partners
Largest car wash chain in the US with 480+ locations. Taken private by Leonard Green for ~$3.1B in 2025
5 locations tracked
Quick Quack Car Wash
Owned by KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts)
Fast-growing express car wash chain with 275+ locations. KKR invested $850M in 2024
9 locations tracked
Take 5 Car Wash
Car wash division of Driven Brands with 400+ locations, PE-backed through parent company
7 locations tracked
Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Owned by Golden Gate Capital
Express car wash chain backed by Golden Gate Capital with 280+ locations
6 locations tracked
Whistle Express Car Wash
Owned by Oaktree Capital
Car wash chain backed by Oaktree Capital with 350+ locations after acquiring Driven Brands US car wash division
4 locations tracked
ZIPS Car Wash
Express car wash chain with 280+ locations across 23 states
5 locations tracked