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Washington, DC, January 7, 2008 – Key Bridge Partners, LLC, a Washington, DC-based private investment firm, today announced the acquisition of Magic Wand, Inc. The acquisition by Key Bridge Partners will enable Magic Wand to build on its success as a world-renowned manufacturer of car wash equipment.
Founded in 1962, Magic Wand has the distinction of having opened the world’s first self-serve, coin-operated car wash on Thanksgiving Day 46 years ago. Since that historic start, Magic Wand has established itself as the leading manufacturer of self-serve car wash equipment and one of the foremost manufacturers of touchless automatic car wash systems in the United States. In 1965, Magic Wand moved its headquarters from Tulsa, OK to Bristol, VA. The company has equipment installed in every continental state of the U.S., plus Alaska, and actively exports car wash systems to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Magic Wand’s success is attributed to a long tradition of serving the needs of its customers by offering the most reliable and broadest range of car wash equipment on the market and developing local distribution and maintenance partners worldwide. Magic Wand holds numerous patents and trademarks, providing such innovative solutions as the Vortex touchless automatic cleaning technology.
“Magic Wand is truly the ‘Mercedes’ of car wash equipment, and I carefully selected Key Bridge Partners to continue the company’s legacy,” stated Bill Daugherty, President and previous owner of Magic Wand. “Key Bridge Partners’ operational focus will help us to further grow Magic Wand. . . building on our strong foundation and leading technology, which we are so proud of.”
Bob Maruszewski, a Partner at Key Bridge Partners, commented: “For nearly 50 years, Magic Wand has been designing and building outstanding car wash equipment. They serve a very loyal and dedicated customer base. Our research showed that the Magic Wand brand stands for great quality and great service – an admirable achievement earned by the talented Magic Wand employees. Bill Daugherty is truly an industry icon, and we couldn’t be happier that he will continue as President of Magic Wand. Key Bridge Partners’ resources and involvement will ensure that the company is well-positioned to build on its success and serve the next generations of car wash operators.”
For additional information on Key Bridge Partners’ acquisition of Magic Wand, contact Bob Maruszewski.
About Magic Wand, Inc.
Since its founding in 1962, Magic Wand has led the way in the car wash equipment and automatic car wash systems industry. On Thanksgiving Day in 1962, the company opened the world’s first self-serve, coin-operated car wash in Ardmore, OK. Today Magic Wand’s products continue to be recognized for their superior design and engineering – and high-reliability construction. Its customers span the globe, and many are multi-generational car wash operators. The company leads the industry with touchless automatic car wash systems and continuously works to improve equipment performance and durability. Most recently, Magic Wand introduced their patented Vortex spray nozzle, which provides superior touchless cleaning to all parts of a car or truck – including such hard-to-reach areas as the front and back of the vehicle. Magic Wand President Bill Daugherty has been involved with the company since the mid-1970s.
More information about Magic Wand is available at www.magicwandcarwash.com.
About Key Bridge Partners, LLC
Key Bridge Partners is a private investment firm consisting of former Fortune 200 executives focused on acquiring manufacturing and service companies with revenues between $5M and $150M. Key Bridge Partners seek to buy and hold businesses for the long-term and provide a unique value-add with their operating experience. Key Bridge Partners is committed to preserving the legacy of great brands and building globally-competitive businesses.
More information about Key Bridge Partners is available at www.keybridgepartners.com.
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