PORTLAND, Ore. (August 15, 2007) – Through parent company American Residential Services L.L.C. (ARS), Rescue Rooter, a national residential and commercial plumbing provider with a Portland location, has purchased Jack Howk Plumbing as part of the company’s strategy for continued growth through acquisitions.

“We have been looking to expand our plumbing offerings to better serve our customers throughout the Portland area,” said Mark Baleme, general manager of Jack Howk Plumbing.  “Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality service that we have always provided.  This agreement simply allows us to grow as part of a national company.”

Founded in 1942, Jack Howk Plumbing has serviced the Portland area for 65 years providing commercial and residential plumbing services including water heater installation, plumbing system maintenance and repair, drain cleaning, gas piping installation and remodeling services.

“We selected Jack Howk Plumbing to join Rescue Rooter because of its long history of serving the Portland market with a commitment to quality and exceptional service, which coincides with our strategic vision for growth nationwide,” said Dave Slott, president and chief operating officer of American Residential Services L.L.C.  “Rescue Rooter is currently focused on growth through the addition of quality service providers such as Jack Howk.  This expansion in Portland also reflects our continued commitment to serve this growing market.”

Owned by Caxton-Iseman Capital Inc., Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc. and management, American Residential Services L.L.C. is based in Memphis, Tenn.

About American Residential Services

Rescue Rooter® is a trusted national brand providing plumbing, drain cleaning and sewer line services through a team of skilled professional plumbers.  Always ready to quickly rescue customers from their plumbing problems, Rescue Rooter® technicians are experienced in diagnostic and repair service for plumbing, drain cleaning and sewer line problems.

Rescue Rooter® and ARS® are leading brands of American Residential Services L.L.C.  With a network of 57 company operated, locally managed service locations spanning 24 states and the District of Columbia, these two brands serve both residential and light commercial customers.  ARS specializes in air conditioning, heating, plumbing and drain cleaning needs, offering repair, replacement and maintenance, as well as HVAC installation for residential new construction.

Based in Memphis, Tenn., American Residential Services L.L.C. has approximately 3,500 employees and is owned by Caxton-Iseman Capital Inc., Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc., and management.

Caxton-Iseman Capital Inc., 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 Rescue Rooter® and ARS® visit www.rescuerooter.com or www.ars.com.

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