Franchise Equity Partners, LP, a dedicated player in the investment world, has just made waves with its acquisition of IMO Car Wash, a remarkable move that marks its entrance into international markets.

Charlotte-based Driven Brands will sell IMO, its international car wash business, to New York City-based Franchise Equity Partners for more than $476 million.

Charlotte-based Driven Brands will sell IMO, its international car wash business, to New York City-based Franchise Equity Partners for more than $476 million.

Franchise Equity Partners agreed to acquire IMO Car Wash, a U.K.-based car wash business with 720 locations, from Driven Brands (Nasdaq: DRVN) for €406m.

Drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew is one of the fastest-growing franchises out there. Since Blackstone invested in the brand in 2024, when it had about 190 locations, the company has more than doubled its unit count to about 460 this year.

Private investment company Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of beverage chain 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee.

7 Crew, a 50-store operator with plans to open another 200 locations, will grow primarily in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and New Mexico with FEP’s backing.

The push for premium RTD beverages is relying on real spirits and unique flavors to keep the ball rolling.

Small-town residents are longing for new food options, and Chipotle’s successful playbook is leading it and other other fast-casual restaurant chains, including Cava and Panda Express, to eye more stores in rural America.

With merger and acquisition activity still hindered by inflationary headwinds and other economic challenges, a number of franchising experts are skeptical the market will see any significant changes in the second half of 2024, even as the Federal Reserve considers reducing interest rates.