PCO News

Certus, Guilford, Conn., acquired Halt Pest Control of Beaverton, Ore., to continue its expansion into the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1990, Halt Pest Control is QualityPro and GreenPro certified and has become well-established in the Portland metro area. Certus is currently the 75th largest pest control company in the U.S. PCO M&A Specialists (a division of PCO Bookkeepers) acted as exclusive financial adviser to Halt Pest Control.

Fox Pest Control, Logan, Utah, sponsored the 2020 Cannonblob Triathlon (right) to raise money for the CAPSA Emergency Center. CAPSA is a non-profit recovery center for those suffering from domestic violence or sexual abuse. Around 70 Fox Pest Control employees participated in the virtual event, together logging 619 miles, and raising $2,878.

Terminix Service, Columbia, S.C., was named one of the Best Places To Work in South Carolina for the seventh year in a row by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, SC Biz News and the Best Companies Group. “We are grateful to be named a top workplace in South Carolina for the seventh year in a row. This recognition is particularly special because it’s based on feedback from our employees,” said Lex Knox, chairman and CEO. “2020 has been a year unlike any other in our 73-year company history, yet our commitment to delivering quality service through a highly skilled team remains constant. We will continue to empower our people and invest in their continued career growth.”  

Moxie Pest Control of Arizona announced the acquisition of Mike’s Swat Team Pest and Termite Control. Austin Clark, owner of MOXIE Arizona, said, “The acquisition made us a strong player in the commercial multi-family space overnight. Michelle (LeDune) has developed a strong, tenured team full of experience and knowledge. The Mike’s Swat Team brand is one of the oldest and most respected brands in Arizona. We couldn’t be happier to have Michelle join our executive team and are elated to have all Mike’s Swat Team employees choose to join too.” Commenting on the transaction, Michelle LeDune, president of Mike’s Swat Team Pest and Termite Control said, “It has been my pleasure to work closely with Austin as he acquired my company. They handled the transition with employees and customers with great professionalism and care.”

Wayne, N.J.-based Mrs. Bzzz Pest & Termite Solutions (above) purchased Abbed Pest Control of Totowa, N.J., in May. Owned by David Dodd, Abbed is a 70-year-old firm. The deal was brokered by Brian Devera, husband of Benette Devera, owner of Mrs. Bzzz. Serving the New Jersey pest control industry for more than 20 years, Mrs. Bzzz provides residential and commercial services to 10 counties in New Jersey.

Big Blue Bug Solutions, Providence, R.I., was named a “Best Place to Work” by the Providence Business News. Big Blue Bug Solutions was one of 66 companies recognized. According to the Providence Business News, each of the companies recognized for this year’s program were judged based on human resources policies and confidential surveys of employees put together by Best Companies Group. Big Blue Bug Solutions is in the Midsize employer category (50-149 employees in the region).