Whistle Express acquires 7 Louisville-area car washes

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.

Whistle Express, a leading brand in the consolidating car care industry, announced it has acquired seven independently owned and operated car washes in the Louisville area that will become part of the fast-growing Whistle Express family.

Known for offering customers a consistent, elevated car wash experience and tremendous value through its Unlimited Car Wash membership program, Charlotte, N.C.-based Whistle Express acquired three Thomas Car Wash locations, three Clean Waves locations and one The Car Wash Co. location, bringing the total number of Whistle Express locations nationwide to 120. 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.

In 2023 the company received a majority investment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. to fuel its accelerated growth plan.

“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.

The car wash industry is undergoing rapid consolidation as investors see opportunities to take what has historically been a fragmented business comprised of thousands of independent operators and offer customers a more consistent, elevated experience.