American Residential Services exploring sale, report says

The process, which is being run by investment bank Rothschild & Co, is at an “early stage,” according to Reuters

Homes

Image: Michael Tuszynski via Pexels

The private equity sponsor of residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform American Residential Services (ARS) is exploring a sale of the company, Reuters reported this week, citing three unnamed sources. 

The big picture: The report comes just one month after private equity giant Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Champions Group in a deal valuing the company at approximately $2.5 billion, as Homepros previously reported

What’s happening: “Memphis, Tennessee-based ARS generates around $200 million of annual ‌[EBITDA] and over $1.5 billion of revenue,” Reuters wrote, adding that a sale could value the company at over $3.5 billion. 

  • Yes, but: Several sources familiar with ARS tell Homepros that the company’s EBITDA is lower than the figure Reuters cited — though they declined to share specifics — and that the $3.5 billion figure is high. A representative for ARS declined to comment. 

Zoom out: Private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners acquired ARS in 2014, and San Francisco-based GI Partners acquired a majority stake in 2020, which it retains today. ARS currently operates in 29 states.

  • Looking ahead: The process, which is being run by investment bank Rothschild & Co, is at an “early stage,” according to Reuters.

Keep reading

D.C. is changing. What’s ahead for the HVAC industry?

D.C. is changing. What’s ahead for the HVAC industry?

Since former President Trump won the election, a sea of changes, several of which will impact the HVAC industry, has been swirling in D.C.

Our most-read stories of February

Our most-read stories of February

The new administration's moves, replacements, and a look at the HVAC consumer