Franchise Equity Partners Appoints Chris Holzshu as Operating Partner

Seasoned Automotive Executive to Support FEP's Continued Growth in the Sector

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Franchise Equity Partners ("FEP"), a private equity firm focused on franchise and multi-unit businesses, today announced that Chris Holzshu has joined the firm as an Operating Partner to help expand the firm's automotive investment strategy and capabilities.

At FEP, Mr. Holzshu will work with the firm's investment and operating teams to identify and evaluate new opportunities across the automotive sector and engage with dealership owners, brokers, and experienced management teams interested in partnering with FEP. He will also collaborate with dealerships and OEM partners to support store-level performance, strengthen operating relationships and drive long-term growth across the platform.

Mr. Holzshu brings over two decades of automotive retail leadership experience. Before joining FEP, he spent more than 20 years at Lithia & Driveway, a leading automotive retailer, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, and previously holding roles including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure, Mr. Holzshu led operating teams, helped integrate hundreds of acquired locations and developed performance management capabilities to support the company's growth into one of the world's largest automotive retailers.

Mr. Holzshu's appointment builds on FEP's established presence across automotive retail and services. The firm's automotive investments include minority partnerships with Georgica Automotive Holdings, Parks Automotive Group and SoCal Penske Dealer Group, representing 41 dealership locations and automotive service centers across seven states and 20 automotive brands. The firm also has investments in automotive services platforms including IMO Car Wash and Velocity Auto Care, a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisee.

"Chris brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build and run an enduring business in the automotive industry, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the FEP team," said Mike Esposito and Scott Romanoff, Co-Founders and Co-Managing Partners of FEP. "His experience strengthens our investment capabilities and expands the resources we can offer prospective partners. There is exciting momentum across our automotive business, and we see a significant opportunity to bring FEP's capital and resources together with talented automotive operators. We look forward to working with Chris to identify and pursue those opportunities."

"I have spent the majority of my career helping build and grow teams in the automotive industry, and I have seen firsthand how success is based on high-performing leaders who leverage disciplined execution and lasting customer and OEM relationships to deliver results," said Mr. Holzshu. "FEP shares that appreciation for what makes these businesses successful and has created a differentiated model designed to provide flexible, long-term capital and resources to help owners and operators achieve their ambitions. I'm excited to draw on my experience and relationships to help FEP expand its presence in an industry I know well."

About Franchise Equity Partners

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 $2 billion in committed capital to enable growth, simplify ownership structures, and support succession and estate planning, among other strategic business opportunities. To learn more about Franchise Equity Partners, please visit www.fep-us.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Franchise Equity Partners