How Private Equity Is Buying Up Car Washes

Lucas and Luna dive into the wave of private equity consolidation in the car wash industry. With over $5 billion in deals over the past three years, operators are rolling up mom-and-pop washes into regional chains. But is this a recession-proof asset? Lucas explains the unit economics: a typical express wash costs $2-4 million to build, but PE firms are paying 10-12 times EBITDA for existing sites. They discuss Mister Car Wash's public market journey, the rise of subscription models (unlimited washes for $20-30/month), and the risk: when interest rates rise and consumer spending slows, those recurring revenue models get tested. Luna asks whether the consolidation is reaching peak valuation, and Lucas points to the recent pullback in deal multiples as a signal. A focused look at one of the most fragmented service industries in America. #PrivateEquity #CarWash #PE #Consolidation #MisterCarWash #RollUp #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Subscription #EBITDA #RecessionProof #ServiceIndustry #Acquisitions #Investment #PEStrategy #CashFlow Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo