Whistle Express Acquires Three Independent Car Wash Locations from Detrick's and Splash

Whistle Express Acquires Fins Car Wash (15 locations)

July 1, 2024

Automotive

Charlotte-based Whistle Express acquired 15 car wash locations from Fins Car Wash and will convert them to the Whistle Express brand, more than doubling the company's presence in several Carolinas markets. The deal expands Whistle's footprint to 31 locations in the Carolinas and 150 systemwide; Whistle Express is PE-backed (majority investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management) and will invest in technology and rebranding at the acquired sites.

Whistle Express Acquires Take 5 Car Wash from Driven Brands

April 10, 2025

Automotive

Whistle Express, a Charlotte-based car wash operator backed by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, has closed its acquisition of Driven Brands’ Take 5 Car Wash. The deal more than triples Whistle’s footprint to 530+ locations across 23 states, creating the largest express car wash operator in the United States and positioning the company for further scale, technology investment and membership growth.

Tsunami Express Car Wash Acquires 53 Take 5 Locations from Whistle Express Car Wash

September 9, 2025

Automotive

Tsunami Express Car Wash has closed the acquisition of 53 Take 5 Car Wash locations from Whistle Express Car Wash, expanding Tsunami’s operations to 74 locations across nine states and tripling its Midwest footprint. The acquired sites will be rebranded and upgraded to Tsunami’s CleanTech experience; Tsunami is backed by an affiliate of Point72 Private Investments and Whistle Express served as the seller in the divestiture.

WhiteWater Express Car Wash Acquires Time to Shine Car Wash

November 24, 2025

Automotive

WhiteWater Express Car Wash, a Houston-based express car wash operator, has acquired Time to Shine Car Wash’s 12-location South Carolina portfolio (10 operating locations and 2 in development), including eight sites in Charleston and four in Columbia. The acquisition marks WhiteWater’s entry into South Carolina and expands its national footprint to 141 locations across seven states, with plans to rebrand the acquired sites to WhiteWater Express in early 2026.

LUV Car Wash Acquires 20 Car Wash Locations from Five Regional Operators

December 27, 2021

Automotive

LUV Car Wash, a Susquehanna Private Capital‑backed express car wash platform, closed five separate deals to acquire 20 car wash locations across Florida and Georgia. The acquisitions were completed from Shiny Shell, Sporty's, Jeff's Express, Rocket Express and Hi‑Speed Car Wash as LUV debuts its initial Southeast footprint.

Splash Car Wash Acquires Eco Car Wash and Westport Wash & Wax

February 2, 2021

Retail

Splash Car Wash, backed by Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, acquired Eco Car Wash (two express locations in Plattsburgh, New York and Williston, Vermont) and Westport Wash & Wax (a full-service location in Westport, Connecticut). The deals expand Splash’s footprint in New England as the company continues an accelerated acquisition and development program to grow its portfolio of full-service, express and self-service locations.