L&L Insider

Brickman, ValleyCrest to become BrightView

The companies will operate under their current names until mid-2015.

By Chuck Bowen

Rockville, Md., and Calabasas, Calif. – The world’s largest landscape company will be called BrightView.

The news was announced at a company meeting of about 500 regional managers and directors from both ValleyCrest and Brickman. The name refers to the “bright views” and “beautiful landscapes” the company builds, and also honors Brickman and ValleyCrest by incorporating a “B” and “V” in the name and new logo, company representatives said in a statement.

“BrightView reflects our optimism for the future and our drive to create greater value for our clients. It embodies our excitement to leverage the strengths of our combined company to enhance how we care for our people, our clients and our communities,” said BrightView CEO Andrew Kerin. While the name and logo was released in early December, it will not be used until mid-2015.

“We will continue to remain focused on our teams and on delivering the highest-quality service to our clients, remaining steadfast in our commitment to their complete satisfaction,” said Vice Chairman Roger Zino.

The merger of the two companies was finalized in June after both were purchased by private equity giant KKR. BrightView has approximate annual revenues of $2 billion with more than 20,000 employees nationwide.

But even with revenue of nearly $2 billion, BrightView would still only represent about 3 percent of the landscape industry’s total size.

Brickman ranked second on the 2014 L&L Top 100 List, with $900 million in total revenue. ValleyCrest ranked first, with $992 million in revenue. Combined, the companies have 22,700 employees. Brickman grew by 9.6 percent last year, and ValleyCrest grew 12.7 percent.

The two companies, while very similar in many aspects, aren’t identical. Brickman has dominated the snow and ice management market. In 2013, it reported more than $172 million in winter revenue, compared to ValleyCrest’s $29.5 million.

And ValleyCrest has a long history in the design, construction, golf and nursery businesses. It also operates a separate national commercial maintenance franchise arm in U.S. Lawns, which ranks 9th on the Top 100 list with revenue of more than $195 million.
 

Ask the experts

Busting mustard
 

Q: Our sod firm decided to harvest seed from a recently established acreage of Kentucky bluegrass. One of our field technicians has noted that there is significant competition from a broadleaf weed known as wild mustard. We can’t locate an herbicide that is labeled for wild mustard control. Do we have any options to eliminate or control the mustard infestation?

A: Fortunately, the EPA allows states to apply for FIFRA 24(c) registrations, also known as an SLN or special local need. These registrations allow for use of a product on crops or at sites not listed on the label. In Minnesota, for example, the EPA has issued SLN No. MN-110002, permitting the use of Everest 2.0 Herbicide to control a host of grass and broadleaf weeds, including wild mustard. Other states may request similar registrations for controlling pests that are not listed on the regular product label. However, always remember that applicators that are using the product under SLN conditions must have the manufacturer’s provided SLN labeling in their possession when using the pesticide. It is against the law to use SLN registrations from others states. Civil and criminal penalties may be pursued if an applicator is found guilty of violating FIFRA 24(c) registrations.

Sam Steel, PLANET Safety Adviser

ASK THE EXPERTS is presented in partnership with PLANET’s Trailblazers On Call program. Trailblazers are industry leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to give back to the industry.

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