Midas

For entrepreneurs seeking reliable vehicle service, Midas has addressed the need for transparent, quality automotive repair for decades through its recognized "Midas Touch" approach. The story began in 1954, when Nate H. Sherman operated a family business that manufactured car mufflers in Chicago and envisioned a direct to consumer auto repair model. In 1956, that vision led to the formation of the Muffler Installation Dealers' Association, or M.I.D.A.S., and the opening of the first Midas Muffler franchise shop in Macon, Georgia. Midas now has over 2,100 locations worldwide, with approximately 2,000 franchised and licensed locations across nearly 20 countries. North America has nearly 1,300 franchised locations in the United States and Canada, including 973 franchises in the United States. The U.S. automotive repair and maintenance service market was valued at USD 183.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 473.9 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% from 2024 to 2032. Midas has ranked number one in the automotive repair and maintenance category for six consecutive years.

The global automotive repair and maintenance market was valued at USD 750.12 billion in 2023. Vehicle owners continue to require maintenance, and the increasing average age of vehicles supports recurring service demand. Modern vehicles also have more complex systems that often require specialized diagnostic and repair skills. Demand is supported by the need for trained automotive technicians, continued reliance on personal transportation despite changing work models, and consumers moving from higher cost dealership service toward more accessible and transparent independent shops such as Midas. The market includes many independent operators as well as established national brands. Midas competes through brand recognition and standardized service practices. Consumer spending on durable goods, including vehicles, and continuing advances in automotive engineering create ongoing demand for professional service on increasingly sophisticated vehicles.

A new Midas franchise has an initial franchise fee of $35,000, generally paid when the franchise agreement is signed. An independent automotive business converting to a Midas shop may pay a reduced fee of $17,500. Existing Midas franchisees pay $10,000 for their first additional location and $5,000 for each later shop. Qualifying U.S. military veterans and first responders may receive a waiver of the initial franchise fee for their first franchise. Applicants must submit a $10,000 deposit, which is credited toward the $35,000 fee when the agreement is signed. Reported total investment for a new Midas franchise ranges from $106,650 to $925,640, or from $104,000 to $1,043,000 according to another source. A new 8 bay Midas Shop may require $341,650 to $924,890, while a typical Midas automobile service location is estimated at $198,650 to $539,512. For an 8 bay shop, reported costs include an initial franchise fee of $10,000 to $35,000, a marketing support program or grand opening advertising budget of $20,000 to $25,000, training travel and living expenses of $1,000 to $7,800, security deposits, licenses and permits of up to $40,000, three months of rent and real estate taxes of $15,000 to $60,000, inventory and supplies of $25,000 to $100,000, equipment and tools of $52,500 to $270,000, office and waiting room furniture with point of purchase materials of $10,000 to $30,000, and branding and signage of $10,000 to $40,000. Midas is required to spend a significant portion of collected royalties on marketing. Franchise candidates must show $75,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of $250,000. Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. acquired Midas from TBC Corporation on June 16, 2025. Midas continues as a standalone brand under the Mavis platform.

Midas has expanded from its original muffler focus into general car maintenance, with an operating model centered on customer trust, transparency and quality service. Franchisees typically manage a multi bay service center, supervise technicians, work with customers and apply standardized procedures across repairs and preventive maintenance. An 8 bay shop implies a team of mechanics and customer service staff, although specific staffing requirements are not stated. Available formats include new 8 bay shops and conversions of existing independent automotive businesses. New franchisees must complete initial operations training and are responsible for compensation, travel, lodging and personal expenses connected with that training. Midas may also require franchisees and managers to complete additional programs and offers local and national training opportunities. Ongoing assistance includes operational counseling and updates on system improvements. Midas directs national, regional and local marketing budgets, while franchise and real estate staff assist with expansion opportunities and site selection. Construction and project managers provide shop design assistance and prototypical floor plans. Technology includes a customer relationship management system for customer engagement and service reminders. Midas was recognized in 2026 as being in the top 20% for franchisee support. The company offers multi unit opportunities and a process to help franchisees obtain additional locations.

Web research provides Fiscal Year 2024 performance figures. Results can vary with the franchisee's operating ability, geography, local demand, local marketing, labor management and inventory control. The availability of performance information outside the current FDD allows buyers to conduct further review of unit economics.

Midas opened 100 locations across 40 states within a year of its 1956 founding. It entered Canada in 1961 and Europe through Belgium in 1973, then opened its 2,000th shop in 1986. The system now includes over 2,100 locations worldwide and approximately 2,000 franchised and licensed locations in nearly 20 countries. It had 973 franchises in the United States and 963 total franchised units in 2023. Store openings are increasing, and the company has invested in larger franchise sales teams. IC Industries Inc., later Whitman Corporation, acquired Midas in 1972. TBC Corporation acquired it in 2012, followed by Mavis Tire Express Services Corp.'s acquisition from TBC Corporation on June 16, 2025. In January 2003, Alan Feldman became CEO and directed Midas toward a pure franchising model while broadening the service offering beyond mufflers. The brand's position rests on its Midas Touch recognition, focus on trust, transparency and quality, and international footprint. Midas has held the number one position in its category for six consecutive years and ranked number 54 on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500, three spots higher than the prior year. In 2026, it ranked in the top 20% for size and growth, the top 20% for franchisee support and the top 5% for brand strength. Its current strategy includes general maintenance, multi unit ownership and technology such as customer relationship management tools and service reminders.

The prospective Midas owner is an entrepreneur with the financial resources and management ability to oversee a multi bay automotive service center. Automotive experience can help, but Midas states that training and support can assist people with strong business skills. The company encourages multi unit ownership through additional location incentives and a process for securing more shops. Expansion focuses on North America, with a substantial presence in the United States and Canada, while the wider system reaches nearly 20 countries. Larger franchise sales teams and site selection assistance support the development process, although no specific period from signing to opening is provided. The franchise agreement term length is not available. Midas's history, operating structure and brand recognition may support long term ownership as well as a future transfer or resale, subject to market conditions and agreement requirements.

Midas has a Loan Activity Score of 68. The U.S. automotive repair and maintenance service market was valued at USD 183.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 473.9 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. Midas has ranked number one in its category for six consecutive years and has continued to appear on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. PeerSense provides independent franchise research that includes SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data and side by side comparison tools. Buyers can review the complete Midas franchise profile on PeerSense when assessing the opportunity.