<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Achie...

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Achievement reflects continued expansion following 2024 acquisition, with 18 additional service centers planned through 2027</i></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">NEW YORK</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 5, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm on a mission to create long-term partnerships with quality franchisees and franchisors, today announced that its portfolio company, Velocity Auto Care, has reached a milestone of 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change℠ service centers with the latest located at 2930 W Trenton Road in Edinburg, Texas.</p>
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                    <img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS650082/Franchise-Equity-Partners-Logo.jpg?id=OA2827871" title="Franchise Equity Partners New Logo" alt="Franchise Equity Partners New Logo"></img>
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<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Edinburg service center is the 12th location opened since FEP partnered with Velocity Auto Care to acquire 38 Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise locations from Valvoline in December 2024. The acquisition also included a development agreement to open an additional 75 service centers over seven years, supporting long-term expansion throughout Texas.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;Reaching 50 locations is an important accomplishment that demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Velocity Auto Care and our shared commitment to thoughtful, long-term growth,&#34; said Mike Esposito, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Franchise Equity Partners. &#34;Since the acquisition, the Velocity team has executed an ambitious expansion strategy while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and delivering an exceptional customer experience. We look forward to continuing that momentum across our development territory.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Velocity Auto Care has continued expanding throughout its designated territory following the 2024 acquisition, including opening the first-ever Valvoline Instant Oil Change location in the Rio Grande Valley in 2025. The company now operates six service centers in the region.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Velocity Auto Care currently has 18 additional service centers in development, all expected to open by the end of 2027. Expansion over the next 18 months will focus on Austin, El Paso, Midland-Odessa, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and other high-growth markets throughout Central, South and West Texas.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;Our development pipeline reflects the significant opportunity we see across our territory,&#34; said Robert Fish, CEO of Velocity Auto Care. &#34;We&#39;re building strategically in high-growth communities and remain on track to add an average of nine to 12 new locations annually as we continue working toward our long-term goal.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The opening underscores Franchise Equity Partners&#39; strategy of partnering with experienced franchise operators to accelerate growth through operational support, strategic investment and disciplined expansion.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For more information about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=1485554526&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fep-us.com%2F&amp;a=fep-us.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fep-us.com</a>. For more information about Valvoline Instant Oil Change, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=3455474820&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vioc.com%2F&amp;a=vioc.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">vioc.com</a>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Franchise Equity Partners:</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Franchise Equity Partners is a private investment firm specializing in providing capital to franchise businesses and their owners. Its differentiated approach combines extensive corporate finance and operating experience with an initial target portfolio size of $1 billion to enable growth, ownership simplification, succession and estate planning, among other strategic business opportunities. To learn more about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=2044838201&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D4085840-1%26h%3D3547952983%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.fep-us.com%252F%26a%3Dwww.fep-us.com&amp;a=www.fep-us.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.fep-us.com</a> or follow the firm on <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=2982568677&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D4085840-1%26h%3D1639447455%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.linkedin.com%252Fcompany%252Ffranchise-equity-partners%252F%26a%3DLinkedIn&amp;a=LinkedIn" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">ABOUT VALVOLINE INC.<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VVV">VVV</a>) delivers quick, easy, trusted service at more than 2,400 franchised and company-operated service centers across the United States and Canada. The Company completes more than 30 million services annually system-wide, from about 15-minute stay-in-your-car oil changes to a variety of manufacturer-recommended maintenance services such as wiper replacements and tire rotations. At Valvoline Inc., it all starts with our people, including the 13,000 team members who are working to drive the full potential of our core business, deliver sustainable network growth, and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the car parc. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=3803595720&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fcts.businesswire.com%2Fct%2FCT%3Fid%3Dsmartlink%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fvioc.com%26esheet%3D54534196%26newsitemid%3D20260512592369%26lan%3Den-US%26anchor%3Dvioc.com%26index%3D1%26md5%3D00ee3facd8c770f5993e7d8a6a593d9e&amp;a=vioc.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">vioc.com</a>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Contact:<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br></b>Andrea Mazzola<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Tidehouse<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>954-893-9150<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="mailto:amazzola@tidehouseagency.com" rel="nofollow" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">amazzola@tidehouseagency.com</a></p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=NY20296&amp;sd=2026-08-05"></img> View original content to download multimedia:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franchise-equity-partners-marks-50-location-milestone-with-velocity-auto-care-expansion-302844152.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franchise-equity-partners-marks-50-location-milestone-with-velocity-auto-care-expansion-302844152.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE Franchise Equity Partners</p>

Franchise Equity Partners Marks 50-Location Milestone with Velocity Auto Care Expansion

Valvoline Instant Oil Change expands Velocity Auto Care footprint to 50 centers

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; class=&quot;prntac&quot;&gt;&lt;i xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Achie...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Franchise Equity Partners announced Velocity Auto Care reached 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change sites, with 18 more planned through 2027 after acquiring 38 VIOC locations from Valvoline in 2024. The expansion highlights ongoing growth in Valvoline&#039;s franchise network, potentially boosting royalties and brand reach, though the release provides limited detail on near-term financial impact.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Velocity Auto Care hits 50 VIOC centers; expansion momentum.</li><li>12th location opened since Dec 2024 VIOC acquisition of 38 sites.</li><li>Acquisition included plan to open 75 centers over seven years.</li><li>18 more centers planned through 2027; focus on Texas.</li><li>Rio Grande Valley opened first VIOC site in 2025; region now six.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Valvoline Inc. (VVV)</strong>: VIOC network expansion could lift Valvoline royalty revenue; no earnings guidance disclosed.</li><li><strong>Velocity Auto Care (N/A)</strong>: Private operator driving VIOC expansion; ownership by Franchise Equity Partners.</li><li><strong>Franchise Equity Partners (N/A)</strong>: Private equity sponsor backing Velocity; expansion signals broader franchise growth opportunities.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>Category: Corporate Developments; shows strategic expansion of Valvoline&#039;s VIOC network via a private-equity-backed operator, potentially influencing long-term royalty growth and brand reach.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Velocity Auto Care hits 50 VIOC centers; milestone indicates growth momentum.</li><li>Texas-focused expansion; 18 more centers slated by end-2027 across Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, etc.</li><li>Acquisition of 38 VIOC locations from Valvoline in 2024 underpins expansion plan.</li><li>No immediate impact on VVV earnings guidance; potential longer-term royalties growth from VIOC network.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>50 VIOC centers milestone.</li><li>12th location opened since Dec 2024 acquisition of 38 VIOC sites.</li><li>Acquisition included 75-centers development plan over seven years.</li><li>18 additional centers in development; open by end-2027.</li><li>Rio Grande Valley opened first VIOC site in 2025; region now six centers.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Moderate, longer-term upside for VVV if VIOC&#039;s expanding network lifts franchise royalties; potential visibility over 6–12 months.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
  <section>
    <p><strong>Franchise Equity Partners marks a 50-location milestone for Velocity Auto Care, expanding the Valvoline Instant Oil Change network with a new Edinburg center</strong>. The milestone underscores ongoing expansion after a 2024 acquisition, with 18 additional service centers planned through 2027. This news comes from Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm, and its portfolio company Velocity Auto Care in New York on Aug. 5, 2026.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Milestone Overview: 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers</h2>
    <p>The Edinburg service center is the <strong>12th location</strong> opened since FEP partnered with Velocity Auto Care to acquire <strong>38 Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise locations</strong> from Valvoline in December 2024. The acquisition also included a development agreement to open an additional <strong>75 service centers</strong> over <strong>seven years</strong>, supporting long-term expansion throughout <strong>Texas</strong>.</p>
    <p>The milestone reflects the strategic pace of Velocity Auto Care’s rollout within its designated territory, building on the 2024 acquisition and its accompanying development plan.</p>

    <ul>
      <li><strong>50</strong> Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers now operated by Velocity Auto Care</li>
      <li>The Edinburg center located at <strong>2930 W Trenton Road</strong>, Edinburg, Texas</li>
      <li>Edinburg is the <strong>12th location</strong> opened since the 2024 acquisition</li>
      <li>Acquisition included a development agreement to open <strong>75 centers</strong> over <strong>seven years</strong></li>
      <li>Velocity Auto Care opened its first Valvoline Instant Oil Change in the <strong>Rio Grande Valley</strong> in 2025; the region now includes <strong>six centers</strong></li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Expansion Pipeline and Geographic Focus</h2>
    <p>Velocity Auto Care continues expanding throughout its designated territory following the 2024 acquisition. The company now operates in multiple growth markets across Central, South, and West Texas. In the next <strong>18 months</strong>, Velocity Auto Care plans to add <strong>nine to 12 new locations annually</strong>, targeting high-growth communities and continued operational excellence.</p>
    <p>Currently, Velocity Auto Care has <strong>18 additional service centers in development</strong>, all expected to open by the end of <strong>2027</strong>. The expansion plan prioritizes Austin, El Paso, Midland-Odessa, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Las Cruces (New Mexico), and other high-growth markets.</p>

    <ul>
      <li><strong>Austin</strong>, <strong>El Paso</strong>, <strong>Midland-Odessa</strong>, <strong>Rio Grande Valley</strong>, <strong>San Antonio</strong>, <strong>Corpus Christi</strong></li>
      <li><strong>Las Cruces</strong>, New Mexico, and other markets</li>
      <li>Aim to sustain a steady expansion pace across the region</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Leadership Perspectives</h2>
    <p><em>"Reaching 50 locations is an important accomplishment that demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Velocity Auto Care and our shared commitment to thoughtful, long-term growth,"</em> said <strong>Mike Esposito</strong>, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of <strong>Franchise Equity Partners</strong>. <em>"Since the acquisition, the Velocity team has executed an ambitious expansion strategy while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and delivering an exceptional customer experience. We look forward to continuing that momentum across our development territory."</em></p>
    <p><em>"Our development pipeline reflects the significant opportunity we see across our territory,"</em> said <strong>Robert Fish</strong>, CEO of <strong>Velocity Auto Care</strong>. <em>"We're building strategically in high-growth communities and remain on track to add an average of nine to 12 new locations annually as we continue working toward our long-term goal."</em></p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Strategic Rationale</h2>
    <p>The opening at Edinburg reinforces Franchise Equity Partners' strategy of partnering with experienced franchise operators to accelerate growth. The approach combines operational support, strategic investment, and disciplined expansion to build a larger, more efficient service network.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>About the Companies</h2>
    <p><strong>Valvoline Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <strong>VVV</strong>) delivers quick, easy, trusted service at more than <strong>2,400</strong> franchised and company-operated service centers across the United States and Canada. The company completes more than <strong>30 million</strong> services annually system-wide, ranging from <em>15-minute stay-in-your-car oil changes</em> to maintenance services such as wiper replacements and tire rotations. Valvoline is supported by <strong>13,000 team members</strong> who drive the core business, sustain network growth, and innovate to meet customer needs. For more information, visit vioc.com.</p>

    <p><strong>About Franchise Equity Partners (FEP):</strong> Franchise Equity Partners is a private investment firm specializing in providing capital to franchise businesses and their owners. Its differentiated approach combines extensive corporate finance and operating experience with an initial target portfolio size of <strong>$1 billion</strong> to enable growth, ownership simplification, succession and estate planning, among other strategic opportunities. To learn more, visit fep-us.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <h2>Additional Information</h2>
    <p>For more information about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=1485554526&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fep-us.com%2F&amp;a=fep-us.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fep-us.com</a>. For more information about Valvoline Instant Oil Change, visit <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4746767-1&amp;h=3455474820&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vioc.com%2F&amp;a=vioc.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">vioc.com</a>.</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <p><strong>Contact:</strong> Andrea Mazzola, Tidehouse, 954-893-9150, amazzola@tidehouseagency.com</p>
  </section>

  <section>
    <p id="PURL"><img title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=NY20296&amp;sd=2026-08-05" /> View original content to download multimedia: <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franchise-equity-partners-marks-50-location-milestone-with-velocity-auto-care-expansion-302844152.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">prnewswire.com</a></p>
  </section>
</article>

Franchise Equity Partners announced Velocity Auto Care reached 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change sites, with 18 more planned through 2027 after acquiring 38 VIOC locations from Valvoline in 2024. The expansion highlights ongoing growth in Valvoline's franchise network, potentially boosting royalties and brand reach, though the release provides limited detail on near-term financial impact.

News insight

Franchise Equity Partners Marks 50-Location Milestone with Velocity Auto Care Expansion

AI summary

Sentiment rationale

Key facts

Corporate Developments