Franchise Equity Partners appoints Chris Holzshu as operating partner

By Nathan Brooks

Franchise Equity Partners, a private equity firm with $2 billion in committed capital, appointed Chris Holzshu as operating partner to expand its automotive investment strategy. The firm said the appointment will strengthen its capabilities across automotive retail and services.

Mike Esposito and Scott Romanoff, FEP’s co-founders and co-managing partners, said: “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.” FEP said he will work alongside its investment and operating teams to identify and evaluate new automotive opportunities.

Holzshu said: “I’m excited to draw on my experience and relationships to help FEP expand its presence in an industry I know well.” The company said he will engage dealership owners, brokers and management teams interested in partnering with FEP.

FEP also said he will work with existing dealerships and original equipment manufacturer partners to improve store-level performance and support long-term growth. Holzshu brings more than two decades of automotive retail leadership experience. Before joining FEP, he spent more than 20 years with Lithia & Driveway, where his roles included executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

According to FEP, Holzshu helped lead operating teams, integrate hundreds of acquired locations and establish performance management systems. The firm said those systems supported Lithia’s growth into one of the world’s largest automotive retailers.

FEP said it already has a significant presence across automotive retail and related services. Its minority investments include Georgica Automotive Holdings, Parks Automotive Group and SoCal Penske Dealer Group. FEP said those three investments collectively represent 41 dealership locations and automotive service centers across seven states and 20 automotive brands.

The firm has also invested in automotive service businesses, including IMO Car Wash and Velocity Auto Care. FEP identified Velocity Auto Care as a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisee.

The two service investments show that FEP’s automotive strategy extends beyond dealerships. The firm said Holzshu’s appointment is designed to strengthen capabilities across both automotive retail and services, giving him a mandate that spans the portfolio’s operating formats.

FEP specializes in investing in franchise and multi-unit businesses. The firm said its capital can fund growth, ownership restructuring, succession planning, estate planning and other strategic initiatives. For owners weighing an outside partner, that range allows a potential deal to address an expansion plan, an ownership transition or a broader strategic initiative.

The company said it sees opportunities to continue deploying capital alongside automotive operators seeking flexible, long-term investment partnerships. FEP’s stated mandate extends beyond new commitments to work with existing dealerships and original equipment manufacturer partners.

What does Holzshu’s appointment change for dealership owners and brokers?

For dealership owners and brokers, the practical change is direct: FEP said Holzshu will engage parties interested in partnering with the firm and evaluate new automotive opportunities. The firm also said he will contribute to store-level performance work with existing dealerships and original equipment manufacturer partners.

For operators weighing outside capital, FEP said its $2 billion can support growth, ownership restructuring, succession planning and estate planning. The announcement links Holzshu’s deal-evaluation role with those operator relationships. His remit also covers store-level performance work for existing dealerships and original equipment manufacturer partners.

FEP’s stated approach gives owners both partnership discussions and operating support. The test for the firm is whether Holzshu can convert his Lithia background into additional investments and stronger results across a 41-location dealership and service-center footprint.

FEP says it sees room for more automotive deals. The appointment gives Holzshu responsibility for identifying and evaluating those opportunities, while his store-level mandate tests whether FEP can pair flexible, long-term capital with hands-on operating support.