Whistle Express reels in seven more car washes
Whistle Express has just acquired seven independently owned and operated car washes in the Louisville area. They will become part of the American carwash chain.
North Carolina-based Whistle Express has taken over three Thomas Car Wash locations, three Clean Waves locations and one The Car Wash Co. location. This brings the total number of Whistle Express locations nationwide to 120.
“Louisville is a very dynamic market, and these acquisitions presented the perfect opportunity for us to leverage our industry-leading technology and operations to continue building our loyal fan base,” said Whistle Express CEO Jose Costa in a press release.
The company also plans to partner with Clean Waves to develop an eighth Whistle Express location in the Louisville area, to open later this spring.
Oaktree
Last year, Whistle received a majority investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. to fuel its accelerated growth plan. It decided to change its name from Magnolia to Whistle.
Whistle Express is currently the 10th largest car wash brand in the country, but with an aggressive growth plan that will add up to 50 additional locations in 2024.
CEO Jose Costa plans to climb the rankings quickly. The move to consolidate under one name stems from a desire to create consistency among the brand’s extensive network of car washes, many of which were locally owned and operated with a very loyal fan base.
Costa, who spent time at Bojangles Restaurants, Inc., and Driven Brands prior to taking the helm at Magnolia Wash Holdings in May 2022, said the efficiency and affordable membership structure appeal to the growing number of consumers who take pride in meticulously maintaining one of the largest investments they’ll make in their lifetime.
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