May’s most popular stories

Boom. Five months down. The same thing is said every year, but this year really does feel like it’s moving faster than Ricky Bobby. Here’s our five most-read stories from May:

Apex Service Partners to receive minority investment at $10 billion valuation. “Founded in 2019 with backing from California-based Alpine Investors, Apex is the largest private equity-backed residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform in the U.S.” (Full story)

Redwood Services buys five-contractor group for $220 million. “The announcement comes one year after Redwood received a majority investment from Toronto-based private equity firm Altas Partners in a deal that valued the company at around $1.1 billion.” (Full story)

EPA rule nixes R-410A install deadline — but could raise refrigerant prices, industry groups warn. “‘Basically, the HFC phasedown is a careful balance between reducing demand through the [Technology Transitions] rule and decreasing supply under the AIM Act; this rule change upsets that balance, likely causing shortages that will require future regulations and equipment transitions,’ Alex Ayers, vice president of government affairs at HARDI, told Homepros.” (Full story)

USA Hometown Experts exploring sale, reports say. “USA Hometown Experts, formed in 2022 and focused on the South, has a footprint across seven states, according to its website, though it doesn’t disclose the specific contracting brands it owns.” (Full story)

ChatGPT ads now open to local service businesses. “Through a new self-serve Ads Manager, businesses can create and manage their own ad campaigns on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis, the company announced… Ads will appear in consumers’ conversations but will be distinct from organic answers… The rollout is still in the early stages.” (Full story)