Rentokil Terminix Expanded in Key Markets with 2024 Acquisitions

READING, Penn. – Rentokil Terminix announced it made a series of acquisitions in key markets across the U.S. in 2024, including: City Termite & Pest, Live Oak Pest Control, Paramount Pest Control, Valley Pest Solutions, Advanced Pest Control and American Pest Control.   

“We’re thrilled to welcome each of these companies to our growing portfolio," said Brad Paulsen, CEO of Rentokil Terminix North America. “Each has a remarkable track record for customer service and organic growth, and will continue their legacies of excellence.”

Founded in 1972 by Bob and Frances McGranahan, Live Oak has 36 employees operating in McAlpin, outside of Lake City, Fla. The company was named Small Business of the Year (2015), and Trailblazer of the Year (2023) by the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce. “We sincerely appreciate the loyalty of our employees,” said Melissa Snodgrass, president of Live Oak Pest Control. “We are excited for our employees as they continue to provide the best customer service McAlpin has to offer.”

City Termite & Pest, also founded in 1972, is based out of Malvern, Ark., and was owned by husband-and-wife team Russ and April Turpin. Since then, the company has grown to 25 employees and also services around the Hot Springs area. The company is well-known for its support of high school and Boys & Girls club sports teams in the area. “We are so proud of the team we have built,” said Russ Turpin. “Our customers can expect to see the same knowledgeable technicians and hear from the same friendly office staff they have come to know over many years.”

Another team in the Hot Springs area of Arkansas to join the Rentokil Terminix family this year were Advanced Pest Control, a.k.a., "the guys in the yellow truck." Advanced was founded in 2003 by Jon and Bridgett Cowers and over 20 years grew to be a team of seven experienced professionals focused largely on residential pest and termite services.

The acquisitions of Paramount Pest Control, of Modesto, Calif., and Valley Pest Solutions, based in Lathrop, Calif., added significant service density in the booming area between Stockton and Modesto. Valley, a largely residential pest control business, was started by Terry Wilson in 2012 after a 25+ year career in pest management. Paramount, also a primarily residential pest control business, was established in 1935, and has been owned and operated by Tim and Aimee Wescott since purchasing the business from Aimee’s father in 2014.

American Pest Control, a well known brand in Georgia since its founding in 1971, was established by Gene Higginbotham and has grown to become one of the top pest management companies in North America, ranking #58 on the 2023 PCT Top 100 list. Headquartered in Athens, Ga., the company expanded under Gene’s leadership and later, his daughter Laurie, who became CEO in 1999. Together, they built the business into a regional powerhouse with nine offices serving Georgia, South Carolina, and western North Carolina. Gene’s legacy continues to inspire the company’s commitment to excellence following his passing in 2015.

“We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty and trust over the years,” Laurie Higginbotham wrote in a letter to her customers. “Having spent time with the Rentokil team, our values and culture are in line and this partnership will enable us to continue providing the same high-quality service, with the added benefits of enhanced resources and expertise.”

PCO Bookkeepers and M&A Specialists advised Valley Pest Solutions and Advanced Pest Control on these transactions. LR Tullius advised Live Oak Pest Control. The Potomac Company advised American Pest Control. 

For more information about Rentokil Terminix visit EnhancedPestControl.com.