US-based Rollins, Inc. best known for its subsidiary pest control brand Orkin, has again demonstrated its ability to locate key acquisition targets and expand its presence in the UK. In May 2023 one of the Company’s UK subsidiaries finalised the acquisition of Vermatech Pest Control Ltd. based in Oxfordshire.
Husband and wife, Andrew and Deb Green first established their pest control company in 1995 which has since expanded through both organic growth and acquisitions. This has included the acquisition of Vermatech in 2003, Merlin Services in 2016 and Active Environmental Services in 2020.
Based near Henley-on-Thames, Vermatech covers the Thames Valley area from Newbury in the west to High Wycombe and Basingstoke and into West London. Vermatech has established a quality pest control service and provides pest control services to the food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, retail and hospitality sectors, as well as to local authorities and residential properties.
Commenting on the sale, Mr Green said: “Deb and I are very proud of everything we have achieved over the last 28 years. It has without doubt been a journey of determination and hard work.”
“We would like to thank everyone in the industry who has been involved with us, past and present. Without their effort and support over the years we would not be the successful company we are today.
“Deciding to sell our company was a natural decision and joining the Safeguard/Orkin family of companies is a huge privilege for us. I am confident the business will continue to flourish and I will remain involved in the pest control industry,” explained Mr Green.
Pennie Gadd, managing director of Safeguard in the UK stated: “The acquisition of Vermatech extends our coverage in the Thames Valley area and fits well with our existing companies working within the Safeguard family.
“Vermatech shares the same high standards and core values which are much appreciated by all our customers. The whole team looks forward to working with Vermatech and developing the business,” explained Pennie.
This acquisition further expands the Orkin presence in the UK following rapidly on the heels of the acquisition of NBC Environment and Europest in 2022 and PestProof earlier this year.
Vermatech is just the latest addition to the growing number of Orkin companies in the UK. This began with the acquisition of Safeguard Pest Control in 2016. Since then, the AMES Group, Kestrel Pest Control, Enviropest, Baroque Pest Services, the Guardian Group, Albany Environmental, Van Vynck Environmental, IPM, NBC Environment, Europest and PestProof have all been added to the Safeguard/Orkin family of businesses.
