NCI supports Vincent and Marine Porquet in the acquisition of Starwash and opens a new phase of growth.

A family-owned business passed on after more than 50 years of growth

Founded in 1964 and based in Houlgate, Normandy (Calvados), Starwash has grown under the leadership of the Huché family, which successfully developed the company over several decades while maintaining strong regional roots. Managed for more than 20 years by Jérôme Huché, a member of the third generation of the family who took over the company 12 years ago, Starwash has enjoyed steady growth driven by its industrial expertise and the quality of its equipment.

Specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of 100% French-made high-pressure touchless car wash stations, the company primarily serves independent operators and large retail chains. Its integrated model, based on a single industrial site in Normandy, enables Starwash to control its entire value chain. With a team of 23 employees, the company has installed more than 430 stations. Its key differentiator is its touchless washing technology, which relies on a system of high-pressure rotating nozzles that clean vehicles without the use of brushes or rollers, thereby reducing the risk of micro-scratches and bodywork wear.

This transaction marks a new chapter in the company’s history, with the transfer of ownership to a duo of entrepreneurs committed to continuity and future growth.

A duo of Norman entrepreneurs ready to take on the challenge

Vincent and Marine Porquet, both originally from Normandy, are seasoned entrepreneurs. They created and developed several ventures, including Fizzer, a personalized postcard app that attracted more than 2.1 million users and was eventually sold to the Clairefontaine Group after several years of growth.

Looking to commit to a long-term entrepreneurial project, they chose to acquire a well-established industrial company rooted in their home region. The acquisition of Starwash quickly emerged as a natural fit, driven by the company’s quality, its niche positioning, and the close relationship built with the Huché family. Their ambition is to build on the work already accomplished while accelerating the company’s commercial development and organizational structuring.

A new phase of growth supported by NCI through its Reprendre & Développer 6 fund

The project led by the new shareholders aims to open a new chapter for the company, built around a strategy of organic growth. This strategy notably includes strengthening the commercial and management teams, implementing an ambitious marketing policy, and expanding the company’s national footprint in order to support its continued growth within the market.

This momentum is expected to enable Starwash to strengthen its position with long-standing customers while also developing new growth drivers.

With this transaction, NCI completes the third investment of its Reprendre & Développer 6 (RD6) fund. It illustrates the firm’s ability to support the transfer of family-owned businesses by partnering with entrepreneurial buyers, through an approach based on proximity, responsiveness, and strong involvement alongside management teams. NCI will support Starwash in particular by reinforcing its ESG strategy, especially regarding water consumption optimization and equipment performance.

Laurie Périé, Investment Director at NCI: “This transaction fully aligns with our strategy: supporting the transfer of strong family-owned businesses deeply rooted in their regions alongside a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders. We were impressed by the quality of Starwash’s expertise, its niche positioning, and the vision carried by Vincent and Marine Porquet. Our goal is to support them over the long term, working closely together to structure and accelerate the company’s growth.”

Vincent and Marine Porquet, acquirers of Starwash: “Taking over Starwash is an opportunity to lead an ambitious entrepreneurial project in our home region. Above all, the company is built on a committed and experienced team, high-quality equipment, and long-standing relationships of trust with its customers. We aim to build on the work and values established by the Huché family while accelerating the company’s commercial development and organizational structuring. We are delighted to count on NCI’s support, whose close partnership and strong human involvement alongside us are real strengths in successfully leading this new chapter.”