ServiceMaster to Acquire Copesan Services

ServiceMaster announced on Feb. 27 that it had entered into an agreement to purchase and combine its Terminix national account pest control operations with Copesan Services. Copesan, an alliance of regional pest management providers, is one of largest national providers of commercial pest management services throughout North America.

ServiceMaster provided the following details about the Copesan acquisition in a press release:

This combination would significantly improve Terminix’s capabilities in commercial pest control as Copesan, under its brand, would provide us with significant expertise, reputation and processes for delivering pest management solutions to sophisticated commercial customers. The transaction is expected to close in the next 30 to 45 days, subject to satisfaction of customary conditions and regulatory approval. This reiterates the strong commitment ServiceMaster has made to focus on, and grow, the Terminix commercial pest control business.

In ServiceMaster’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 webcast, ServiceMaster CEO Nik Varty commented, “We are excited about working with Copesan’s strong, experienced national accounts and commercial team, its exceptional service provider network throughout the country, and its two strong regional commercial operations (Wil-Kil Pest Control and Holder’s Pest Solutions).”

Throughout the call, Varty stressed Terminix's commitment to strengthening its commercial pest business. In addition to the Copesan acquisition, Terminix bolstered its commercial business with the addition of Kelly Kambs, who was named president of Terminix Commercial on Feb. 20. Kambs, who joined ServiceMaster from CPG Building Materials, in Chicago, where she served as senior vice president, will work closely with Copesan President Deni Naumann, who has led the organization since 2006.

Said Varty, “I’m really happy that [Deni] is becoming a critical part of our team to help guide us through some growth in national accounts, but also with bringing much necessary leadership and capabilities. She’ll definitely be a huge help to Kelly, who’s not new to driving successful businesses, but is new to the industry. That is a great combination for us.”

Liz Johnson, director of marketing for Copesan, told PCT the agreement “creates a formidable competitor in commercial pest management positioned for long-term growth. We believe [Terminix] is a very complementary business to Copesan on the national account side commercially. We are very excited about pairing our technology and our brand, with their resources and brand awareness.”