Prime Shine Car Wash, which grew from a single location in 1991 to become California’s largest independently owned car wash operator, has been acquired by an Arizona- based company.

The buyer is Mister Car Wash of Tucson, which has more than 250 car washes and 30 oil change express locations in 21 states. The Prime Shine acquisition represents Mister’s second investment in California. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Prime Shine operates 19 car washes in 12 cities – Modesto, Ceres, Turlock, Manteca, Lodi, Oakdale, Riverbank, Atwater, Patterson, Merced, Tracy and Los Banos.

“Finding the right company to continue our legacy was important to us,” said Norm Porges, the founder and chairman of Prime Shine. “We spent considerable time vetting potential buyers for one that would match our people-first culture and passion for washing cars.”

Porges began the company in Modesto with the goal of changing how Californians think about washing their cars. Prime Shine has been recognized numerous times for its commitment to business leadership, employee excellence and environmentally sustainable practices such as filtering, recycling and conserving water; solar energy; and LED lighting.

In 2013, Prime created Prime Shine University, its internal training and development program designed for its employees to become better members of the community and better leaders.

“We are honored to be entrusted with one of the industry’s best businesses,” said John Lai, president and CEO of Mister Car Wash. “The Porges family has built a business that is grounded in service and giving back, and is a pillar within the Central Valley community.”

Nearly all of Prime Shine’s 200 employees will be offered the opportunity to stay with the new company. The locations will continue to operate as Prime Shines while Mister Car Wash works to rebrand them. All pre-paid washing programs will continue.

“We know our employees, customers and communities will be in good hands with Mister Car Wash,” said Evan Porges, Prime Shine’s president and CEO. “We’ve seen their track record of integrating businesses and knew they would be the people to continue the Prime Shine legacy.”

Both Norm and Evan Porges are quick to credit much of the company’s success to their employees, who are known for their friendliness and focus on customer service.

“We have much love and respect for our associates and how hard they’ve worked,” said Norm Porges.