Around the Industry: January-February 2026

Real Estate Investment Firm Acquires 15-Location Take 5 Oil Change Portfolio

Secure Properties, a real estate investment firm that specializes in net lease assets, has acquired a 15-property Take 5 Oil Change portfolio from Driven Brands through a direct, long-term sale-leaseback agreement. The stores are located in the South and Midwest. Each property is backed by a new long-term NNN lease—an agreement in which the tenant pays base rent, plus property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance.

Shop Marketing Pros Reports Google Ads Breach

Shop Marketing Pros, a specialized marketing agency for auto repair shops, says a hacker recently breached a Google Ads agency manager account after 230 of its auto repair shop ad accounts were compromised.

The hacker reportedly “removed legitimate administrators and retained control while allowing victims only view-only access,” according to Brian Walker, founder and CEO of Shop Marketing Pros.

Shop Marketing Pros officials say they notified Google within hours of the incident by phone and through a support ticket. They say Google acknowledged it was reviewing the issue and later suspended the account, but claim the hacker continued to operate.

API Shares Update on Development of ILSAC GF-8

The American Petroleum Institute recently provided an update on the development of the next car engine oil category—ILSAC GF-8.

Progress toward GF-8 continues, with stakeholders reaffirming a target launch of the third quarter of 2028, contingent on successful completion of key engine test developments. ILSAC has accepted many proposed technical updates following recent Auto Oil Advisory Panel discussions.

Development of the new Sequence VJ sludge test, which will replace the Sequence VH sludge test, is advancing through multi-lab prove-out testing. Meanwhile, a task force responsible for fuel economy test development is working to extend the life and precision of existing Sequence VIE and VIF tests.

Although many of the task force’s recommendations were accepted by ILSAC, further refinement and validation remain necessary before final implementation, API said in a statement.

Highline Warren Acquires Glass and Surface Care Product Manufacturer, Sprayway

Highline Warren announced it has acquired the Sprayway brand from PLZ Corp in a recent press release. Sprayway has manufactured a line of industrial MRO, automotive, housekeeping, and screen print products since 1947. Its glass cleaner is the #2 brand in U.S. glass by unit share, and #1 in the category’s sales velocity.

Highline Warren looks to expand Sprayway into adjacent categories, as well as broaden Sprayway’s presence across an array of retail and distribution channels.

Castrol Sold by BP to Stonepeak in $10.1 Billion Deal

Stonepeak, a New York-based alternative investment firm that specializes in infrastructure and real assets, has reached an agreement to acquire Castrol from BP in a transaction valuing the business at an enterprise value of about $10.1 billion.

Per terms of the deal, BP will retain a 35% minority interest in Castrol and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will invest up to $1.05 billion in support of the transaction, which will result in an indirect stake in Castrol. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026.

Sayle Oil Company Acquires Car Care Clinic/Jet Lube of Central Mississippi

Sayle Oil Company has purchased several Car Care Clinic/Jet Lube stores in Central Mississippi.

According to a press release, Car Care Clinic/Jet Lube started with one location, founded by the late Bob Tewes, and has since grown to 14 locations.

Sayle Oil purchased the business from the previous owner Brian Romine, who has worked there for over 40 years. With these 14 new additions and the two new Dipstix locations opening soon, this will put Sayle Oil Company owning and operating 30 locations throughout central and north Mississippi.