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TruGreen's New Chapter with Birch Hill Equity Partners

In a significant turn of events, TruGreen, the leading lawn care provider in the U.S., has been acquired by Birch Hill Equity Partners, a well-established Canadian private equity firm. This acquisition marks the end of a distinguished 19-year partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CDR), having been instrumental in TruGreen's evolution into a powerhouse within the lawn care industry.

The acquisition is not merely a change of ownership; it is seen as a pivotal opportunity for TruGreen to amplify its growth strategies and reinforce its position in an increasingly competitive sector. Kurt Kane, TruGreen's President and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "This is an exciting day for TruGreen. We are confident that Birch Hill will be a valuable partner to help us achieve our vision of being the best and fastest-growing lawn care company globally."

Birch Hill's strong track record with service-based businesses positions it well to support TruGreen in key areas like operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Its experience with route-based service businesses is particularly beneficial, offering TruGreen an opportunity to refine its operational strategies further.

The steep learning curve experienced during the nearly two decades with CDR set a robust foundation for TruGreen. Kane reiterated the importance of this past relationship, acknowledging CDR's support in developing a roadmap for future growth that has led to their current standing as the industry leader. With more than 300 locations across the United States and Canada and a dedicated workforce of over 12,000 employees, TruGreen aims to continue its commitment to providing top-tier lawn, tree and shrub, and pest services that exceed customers' expectations.

As it transitions to Birch Hill's ownership, TruGreen is poised to implement its long-term strategy even more aggressively, with the focus still firmly on its customers and the quality of service they expect. Kane remarked, "Our focus remains on what has always made TruGreen successful—our team members, our customers, and our commitment to delivering professional-level lawns."

Supported by advisory services from leading financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and William Blair, the acquisition process has been streamlined to facilitate a smooth transition. Legal counsel services were provided by Debevoise for TruGreen and Paul Weiss for Birch Hill, ensuring all regulatory frameworks were adhered to during this significant period.

Birch Hill, based in Toronto, boasts over $6 billion in assets under management and has invested in numerous portfolio companies since its inception in 1994. They are committed to driving growth and success in their investments and have a clear understanding of what it takes to help service-oriented businesses thrive.

TruGreen's acquisition is expected to pave the way for an innovative approach to lawn care backed by new resources and a strategic growth mindset. Their approach incorporates science-driven expertise tailored to the specific needs of local outdoor living spaces, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Customers can look forward to seeing substantial improvements and advancements in service delivery as TruGreen embraces its new chapter. The future shines bright for this iconic lawn care provider, with shared beliefs and ambitions for optimal service quality driving it toward new heights.

For those curious about what's next for this industry leader, additional information about TruGreen and its service offerings can be found at TruGreen.com or through their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The acquisition of TruGreen by Birch Hill Equity Partners is indeed a landmark moment not only for the company but also for the lawn care industry at large, signaling a trend of innovation and growth poised to benefit consumers across North America.