👋Good morning! Find out what’s behind a suburban Chicago car wash’s decision to file for bankruptcy in this issue of the Car Wash Daily News email newsletter.

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Jim Utter
Director of Journalism/Editor in Chief
CW Daily News

Today's issue is sponsored by QC Capital — A Premier Private Equity Investment Company.

👉 We’d like your input! Have a story idea or would like us to receive your company’s press releases on your latest news? Email us at [email protected].

🔦TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT🔦

Facing lawsuits, suburban Chicago car wash files for bankruptcy

TOGETHER WITH QC CAPITAL

🚗 QC Capital Group Wants to Buy Your Car Wash! 🚗

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• Deal Size: $2M–$10M for individual sites; $70M–$90M for portfolios

• Built: 2015 or newer

• Traffic: 25k+ AADT

• Population: 20k+ (3-mile radius) | 50k+ (5-mile radius)

• Revenue: $1M+ annually

Ideal Locations:

• Near popular retailers like Starbucks, Target, Costco, Chick-fil-A, etc.

• Established express washes or new construction ready at CO

Target States: FL, GA, SC, NC, LA, AL, TX, MD, VA, NJ, PA, NY

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*Please see the advertising disclosure at the bottom of this newsletter.

✂️SHORTCUTS✂️

   Editor’s Picks 👇

• A1 American acquires car wash product provider Promo Car Care: As part of two new acquisitions, A1 American has expanded into the car wash industry. Founded in 1911, A1 American is a global leader in manufacturing, distribution, and single-source supply solutions for industries including Hospitality, Vacation Rental, Healthcare, Commercial Laundry, and Fitness.

  This week, the company announced it had acquired the Promo Car Care division of Petra Hygienic Systems, a provider of wipes, cleaning towels and other accessories and promotional products to the car wash industry. The move enhances A1 American’s product portfolio, bolsters its presence across more diverse industries, and provides its customers with an expanded range of high-quality, innovative solutions. Read more here.

   Express Hits  🎯 

• Cosmic Express Car Wash will open a new location in Austin, Texas, this fall. The company, which is Austin-based, opened its first location in Sequin, Texas. The new location will debut a prototype building with a mid-century modern design. A tentative opening of the Austin location has been set for September.

• Construction is underway for a new BlueWave Express Car Wash location in Victoria, Texas, with a tentative complete date in July. The estimated $1.25 million project is for a new 4,954 square-foot location. BlueWave, based in Texas, has more than 60 active locations and several more in development according to Car Wash Advisory.

• A car wash connected to a Shell gas station in North Little Rock, Arkansas, was damaged by fire recently. Fire officials later discovered there had been several unsheltered individuals that had sought refuge in the structure overnight. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The store manager said the car wash has a heater to keep water from freezing.

• Birmingham, Michigan-based Jax Kar Wash has opened a new location in Macomb Township, Michigan. Jax has grown from nine to 46 locations in fewer than three years, with a footprint across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The company is on track to reach 56 locations by late 2025. The expansion has been fueled by a mix of new construction and acquisitions, supported by private equity firm TRP Capital Partners.

  👉 More updates here.

   Making Waves Around the World  🌊 

• Few UK car wash owners have paid outstanding fines: A recent report by The (London) Telegraph newspaper says as little as five percent of fines assessed to car wash companies for hiring illegal migrants have been collected. Last summer, the Home Office said it would crack down on the businesses that hire illegal workers as part of the cash-only economy.

  Official data collected, however, shows the 12 worst-offending car wash companies were given civil penalties worth more than £650,000 in 2023 but have paid only £33,750 of fines owed. Read more here.

   What’s Coming Up  📅

• AHR Expo: More than 1,800 HVACR exhibitors are expected at the AHR Expo Feb. 10-12, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. More info here.

• Southwest Car Wash Association: The organization will hold its annual convention and expo Feb. 26-28, 2025, at the Fort Worth (Texas) Convention Center. More info here.

• Convenience U CARWACS Show 2025: The Convenience U CARWACS Show – Canada’s largest convenience, gas and car wash industry event – is set for March 4-5, 2025, at the International Centre Hall 5 in Mississauga, Ontario. More info here.  

• APEC 2025: The leading conference in North America for power electronic professionals will take place March 16-20, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. More info here.

• Heartland Carwash Association 2025: The organization’s annual product and equipment show will take place March 24-26, 2025, at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. More info here.

• ICA Car Wash Show 2025: The ultimate gathering for car wash pros returns to the Las Vegas (Nevada) Convention Center April 26-28, 2025. More info here.

• Car Wash Show Europe 2025: The leading car wash trade fair in Europe takes place Sept. 24-25, 2025, at EXPO Greater Amsterdam in the Netherlands. More info here.

❓DID YOU KNOW❓

Disclaimer: The authors of cwdailynews.com, LLC are not financial or tax professionals. This email is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with qualified professionals before making any decisions. Our content, which may include affiliate links, reflects personal opinions and should not be used as the sole basis for decision-making. We are not responsible for any losses resulting from the use of this information.