Franchise Equity Partners acquires IMO Car Wash

The transaction includes IMO’s entire network of 720 locations, primarily across the UK and Germany.

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA / Mobility Plaza / December 5, 2025 — Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a US-based private investment firm focused on long-term partnerships with franchise operators, has agreed to acquire IMO Car Wash, the world’s largest tunnel car wash business, from Driven Brands. The transaction includes IMO’s entire network of 720 locations, primarily across the UK and Germany, with additional sites in nine European countries and Australia.

Founded six decades ago, IMO Car Wash is a leading name in the sector, serving millions of customers annually through its high-volume, convenience-driven model. The company’s diversified footprint and experienced management team have made it a dominant player in the European car wash market.

“This acquisition represents a rare opportunity to partner with a market-leading brand with a strong operating team,” said Scott Romanoff, Co-Managing Partner at FEP. “We aim to optimize performance and drive organic growth across IMO’s established portfolio.”

The deal marks FEP’s first international investment, signaling its ambition to expand beyond the US into Europe and other global markets. Under FEP’s ownership, IMO plans to increase wash volumes, enhance customer experience, and strengthen retail partnerships that drive traffic for both IMO and its host retailers.

The acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the car wash sector, where scale and operational efficiency offer competitive advantages. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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