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FTC Orders Divestiture of 45 Oil Change Shops in Valvoline–Greenbriar Deal

By  |  November 17, 2025

The Federal Trade Commission has moved to reshape a major automotive services transaction, directing Valvoline and private equity firm Greenbriar Equity Fund V., L.P. to sell off 45 quick-lube oil change shops as a condition of their $625 million agreement. According to a statement from the agency, the divested locations will be transferred to Main Street Auto, LLC under the terms of the proposed order.

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    Valvoline is seeking to acquire roughly 200 Oil Changers outlets currently operated by a Greenbriar subsidiary. These quick-lube centers, known for offering oil changes in under 30 minutes without appointments, compete directly with Valvoline in several regions. Per the FTC’s statement, regulators determined that the acquisition would reduce competition in 25 local markets across eight states, potentially affecting consumers in California, Kentucky, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    The agency emphasized that the required divestitures are intended to prevent higher prices and declining service quality. “The FTC took action today to ensure that quick-lube oil changes remain affordable and available for American consumers across the country,” said Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. “The FTC’s divestiture order will preserve competition that is critical to providing convenient oil changes at affordable prices to millions of consumers.”

    According to the complaint, regulators allege that without this intervention, the merger would eliminate head-to-head rivalry between Valvoline and Oil Changers locations, leaving consumers with fewer options. The Commission voted 3-0 to issue the complaint and accept the consent agreement for public comment.

    Source: FTC