Johnny Clean Car Wash has been sold to El Car Wash, a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus

Johnny Clean Car Wash

Johnny Clean Car Wash, founded in 2017, is a top-tier, multi-unit express car wash operator in the Orlando, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville markets. The company prides itself on delivering a repeatable, high-quality experience with a focus on consistent quality, speed and hospitality. Johnny Clean’s customer-centric model, underpinned by systematic processes and a culture of continuous improvement, has led to it being known as a best-in-class express car wash.

The Deal

Lincoln International acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Johnny Clean, working closely with the founding family throughout the preparation and deal process. The Lincoln team provided industry expertise and managed all aspects of the process, including the preparatory, marketing, negotiation and due diligence phases of the transaction. After years of impressive growth, Johnny Clean has found an ideal partner in El Car Wash, a leading express car wash platform and portfolio company of Warburg Pincus. The transaction brings together two high-performing operators with shared values around customer experience, operational excellence and scalable growth.

Our Perspective

Alejandro Barrera, Lincoln International Managing Director who led the transaction, commented, “Johnny Clean has built a highly differentiated express car wash platform, defined by its
best-in-class metrics, operational excellence, disciplined growth strategy and commitment to customer experience. It was a privilege to work alongside the Johnny Clean team on this milestone transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continued success as part of El Car Wash’s expanding footprint. After a period of strain in the car wash sector, it is exciting to see two of the best operators join forces to deliver value to their customer bases.”

El Car Wash

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Doral, Florida, El Car Wash is an express car wash operator in Florida and Michigan. El Car Wash’s 2022 partnership with Warburg Pincus has accelerated its expansion, driving innovation through a superior customer experience, cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices. El Car Wash differentiates itself through affordable unlimited wash programs, a wide range of customer amenities and leading-edge services. The company fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, supported by meaningful initiatives such as its neurodivergent and veteran employment programs. El Car Wash is also deeply engaged in the communities it serves, building strong local connections through sports partnerships and community involvement. Their commitment to both people and purpose makes them a trusted name for customers and employees alike.

Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus is a leading global private equity investor with over five decades of experience in building and scaling companies across industries and geographies. The firm specializes in growth-oriented private equity investments, partnering with management teams to accelerate long-term value creation. With a flexible capital base and deep sector expertise, Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies globally across sectors including consumer, business services, healthcare, industrials, real estate, energy, financial services and technology. The firm is headquartered in New York with over $86 billion in assets under management, leveraging its global platform to support portfolio companies at every stage of growth.

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