ATLANTA, Ga. (January 16, 2008) – American Residential Services LLC, a privately held, nationwide provider of heating, air conditioning and plumbing services through the ARS® and Rescue Rooter® brands, has purchased Atlanta-based Universal Heating and Cooling as part of its strategy for continued growth through geographic expansion.
“Joining the ARS family gives us the opportunity to more quickly reach our mutual expansion goals, and to add depth such as plumbing to our existing services,” said Jake Mazhar, Universal's CEO and owner who now joins the senior management team at ARS. “In addition to enhanced opportunities for our employees, our customers will continue to receive the same focus on superior home comfort services that we have always provided. Now we can further elevate the experience of both our employees and customers with the support and resources of a national company.”
With strategic locations offering premium service in Atlanta, Ga., Huntsville, Al. and Chattanooga, Tenn., Universal has been a provider of air conditioning and heating services since 2000, and has become the number one service provider of HVAC services for The Home Depot in those markets. Mr. Mazhar and his staff will remain with the company, and it will operate as Universal/ARS, working in conjunction with Rescue Rooter® plumbing in Atlanta, which is also owned by American Residential Services.
“We are building a nationwide plumbing and HVAC footprint by continuing to add quality service providers such as Universal,” said Dave Slott, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Residential Services. “Jake and his team have grown their existing business through exceptional service and employee satisfaction, which coincides with our strategic vision. Universal's HVAC presence in Atlanta and other new markets reflects our commitment to key growth areas.”
About American Residential Services
ARS® and Rescue Rooter® are leading brands of American Residential Services L.L.C. providing heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning and sewer line services across the United States. Based in Memphis, Tenn., American Residential Services L.L.C. has approximately 3,900 employees.
ARS® / Rescue Rooter® operates a network of 57 company operated, locally managed service locations spanning 25 states and the District of Columbia. United by exceptional service, the ARS® / Rescue Rooter® network serves both residential and light commercial customers through a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. Providing elevated service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS® / Rescue Rooter® has the experience to do any job right – the first time.
American Residential Services LLC is owned by CI Capital Partners LLC, Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc., and management. CI Capital Partners LLC, www.caxton-iseman.com, is a New York-based private equity firm. Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc., www.rpcp.com, is a private equity investment and management firm, and through its affiliates, the owner of publicly and privately held companies.
For more information about ARS®/Rescue Rooter®, visit www.ARS.com.
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