Links Car Wash parent company Back Nine Equity, LLC has entered into an agreement to acquire the Woodie’s Wash Shack brand, a fast-growing express car wash operator and affiliate of WWS Enterprises. This transaction combines the award-winning Woodie’s Wash Shack brand with the Links Car Wash platform to create one of the Southeast’s premier express car wash platforms.
The combined enterprise will operate 50 express car wash locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Texas, creating one of the region’s largest and fastest-growing express car wash operators. The combined company will operate under the Woodie’s Wash Shack brand, bringing together two complementary organizations with a shared commitment to customer experience, operational excellence and disciplined growth.
As part of the transaction, Ryan Hanks, founder of Back Nine Equity and Links Car Wash, will continue to lead the combined operating company. Donald E. Phillips, founder and majority owner of WWS Enterprises, will remain in a strategic role through a newly formed brand management company that will retain ownership and stewardship of the Woodie’s Wash Shack brand, trademarks, trade dress and creative identity.
The acquisition advances Links Car Wash and Back Nine Equity’s strategy of building a scaled, multi-market car wash platform through a combination of strategic acquisitions, development and disciplined operations. The investment in the Woodie’s Wash Shack brand positions the combined organization to leverage resources, expertise and development capabilities while supporting plans for continued expansion throughout the Tampa Bay area and adjacent markets.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Woodie’s Wash Shack team to Links Car Wash and Back Nine,” said Hanks. “Woodie’s has built an exceptional reputation through their outstanding operating platform, loyal customer base and one of the strongest consumer brands in the industry. Bringing together the talented teams behind both Links and Woodie’s creates a platform with tremendous scale, exceptional talent and significant opportunities for future growth. We are excited to build upon our combined success and continue investing in our team members, our communities and the customer experience.”
“This transaction represents the next chapter in the evolution of Woodie’s,” said Phillips. “When we opened our first location, our vision was never simply to build car washes; it was to build a brand that customers genuinely loved. We’ve created something special by focusing relentlessly on the customer experience, our people and our culture. Ryan and his team share those same values, making this combination a natural fit. Together, we have the opportunity to build one of the premier regional car wash companies in America while preserving everything that makes the Woodie’s brand unique.” Following the close of the transaction, the newly formed organization will work together to ensure a seamless transition and position the platform for long-term growth. The combined team will remain focused on operational excellence, technology investments and continued innovation in the customer experience while preserving Woodie’s distinctive culture and commitment to the communities it serves. By building on the strengths of both organizations, the company is creating a strong foundation for continued expansion and future success.The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming months.
About Back Nine Equity, LLC
Back Nine Equity LLC is the parent company for Links Car Wash and serves as the Hanks family office, investing in real estate, private equity and operating businesses. Through its ownership of Links Car Wash and strategic investments in high-growth platforms, Back Nine focuses on building scalable business with long-term value creation.
About WWS Enterprises
WWS Enterprises is the founder-owned company behind Woodie’s Wash Shack, one of Florida’s most recognized express car wash brands. Known for its distinctive surf-inspired identity, award-winning customer experience, and commitment to community engagement, Woodie’s has grown into the leading express car wash operator in the Tampa Bay market and continues to set the standard for customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
