Schill Grounds Management acquired Pinnacle Landscaping to expand operations in Columbus, Ohio, after recently opening a location in nearby Greenfield.

Schill ranked No. 28 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list in 2024.

Partnering with Pinnacle gives Schill greater density and reach across Ohio. Earlier this year, Schill opened a facility in the Blacklick area just east of Columbus to serve that market. Schill now has central Ohio operations in Blacklick, Marion, Nashport, Polaris and other markets in that region.

Established in 2005, Pinnacle has been owned and operated by Brett Obenauf, principal and chief financial officer, and Rob McDevitt, principal and chief operating officer. They will continue to oversee the business in Columbus. About 75 Pinnacle employees will join Schill, which has a total headcount of around 1,200.

Pinnacle provides commercial landscape maintenance, snow and ice removal, and parking lot sweeping services to office, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, multi-family and other commercial customers throughout the Columbus region.

“Together, Schill and Pinnacle can provide an expanded level of service to our customers across Columbus and central Ohio with a comprehensive suite of landscaping management, snow and ice removal, and other property enhancement services,” says Jerry Schill, founder and CEO of Schill Grounds Management. “We strive to be a single source provider to our customers to make grounds management even easier.”

Partnering with Schill gives Pinnacle enhanced operational, financial, sales and marketing strength, plus a network of 27 locations across the upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions for customers who have multiple locations.

“When we started Pinnacle, it was our goal to become one of the largest landscape maintenance companies in central Ohio. We succeeded in building a solid foundation to a well-respected company, and the partnership, leadership and resources from Schill will push us to the next level much faster,” Obenauf says.

Schill has completed 13 acquisitions since 2020 as it leads consolidation in a fragmented industry by leveraging its “owner’s network” that keeps former owners involved in operating the business. Recent acquisitions include Strauser Nature's Helpers and BAM Outdoor, both made in 2024.

HCI Equity Partners forms LawnPro Partners

The platform is formed in partnership with Bill Viveen, who will serve as CEO.

HCI Equity Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm, has formed LawnPRO Partners in partnership with Bill Viveen, who will serve as the platform’s CEO.

LawnPro is focused on building a provider of lawn care treatment services, tree service and pest control to residential customers.

Viveen brings a track record of scaling and integrating service businesses, with recent experience as CEO and leader of targeted acquisition growth at Heartland Home Services, a residential HVAC service provider. Viveen also sits on the board of directors of Tech24, which is one of the largest providers of repair and maintenance for commercial food equipment.

“The LawnPro Partners platform is HCI’s latest thesis-driven, strategic investment in an attractive, fragmented technical service market,” says HCI Principal Nate Novak. “We believe Bill’s experience scaling and integrating service businesses perfectly positions him to lead this platform. We are thrilled with the companies and leaders we have partnered with to date.”

“I’m excited to partner with HCI and lead this platform in a market with terrific potential for organic and M&A growth that benefits from scale,” Viveen says. “We fundamentally believe in keeping local businesses local and partnering with already great companies to help them accelerate their growth plan. I look forward to building LawnPro into a dynamic industry leader.”

Senske Services opens new location in Dallas market

This branch is part of the Emerald Lawns division, one of the 10 brands within the Senske family of companies.

Senske Services is expanding into the Dallas/Ft. Worth market with the opening of a new location in Euless, Texas. This new branch is part of the Emerald Lawns division, one of the 10 brands within the Senske family of companies.

The Euless branch, which opened its doors in early February, recently celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new location marks Senske’s fifth branch in Texas and its 39th across North America.

“This was a tremendous event and reason for celebration,” says Casey Taylor, Senske CEO. “Senske is growing through acquisition efforts and new market expansion, and I could not be happier to cut that ribbon.”

The Euless location will offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse lawn care needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. In addition to premier lawn care, Emerald Lawns provides pest control services and professional Christmas light installation.

Superscapes acquires On Duty Tree & Landscape

On Duty has offered commercial landscaping in the Dallas and Houston markets for the last 16 years.

Superscapes acquired On Duty Tree & Landscape, enhancing its presence in North Texas and Houston.

On Duty has offered commercial landscaping in the Dallas and Houston markets for the last 16 years. Founded and operated by industry veteran Sha Clayton, the brother of Superscapes CEO Shawn Clayton, On Duty’s service offerings include commercial maintenance, installation and tree work with a focus on multi-family properties.

Superscapes ranked No. 61 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list in 2024.

“I am thrilled to welcome Sha Clayton and the On Duty team to the Superscapes family,” says Shawn Clayton. “For a quarter of a century, we have taken great pride in the award-winning service and satisfaction our customers have grown to expect and appreciate. During that time, Sha has successfully built his company into a like-minded business focused on excellence and client satisfaction. He is now working alongside our management team as he services his existing clients and helps build our multi-family division.”

“As we sought out a partner to help us accelerate our growth, the answer turned out to be a company I’ve known since its infancy,” says Sha Clayton, who will continue to serve in a management role. “Combining forces with my brother’s company was a natural fit. I look forward to contributing to the expansion of Superscapes and bringing our combined expertise to a broader client base.”

Michael Hatcher & Associates expands operations to Huntsville, Alabama

Michael L. Hatcher founded Michael Hatcher & Associates in 1986, starting with a pickup truck and two employees.

Michael Hatcher & Associates, a commercial landscape firm headquartered in the Memphis area, has expanded its operations to Huntsville, Alabama. With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, the company is known for delivering landscaping service — including construction, maintenance and irrigation — to the commercial market.

Michael L. Hatcher founded Michael Hatcher & Associates in 1986, starting with a pickup truck and two employees. Today, the company has grown into a multimillion-dollar business and has employed over 200 people within the business.

“We are excited to put down roots in the Huntsville market,” Hatcher says. “Our focus on customer service and the highest standards of quality and safety have earned us one of the most respected names on the landscape scene in the Memphis Metropolitan Area. We look forward to bringing that same level of skill and professionalism to our clients in Huntsville, Madison County, and the surrounding areas in North Alabama.”

CEO Russ Sneed says the expansion is part of the company’s commitment to growth and a response to demand.

“We recognize that Huntsville’s rapid economic growth, driven by the presence of major technology and aerospace companies, has created a demand for high-quality commercial landscaping services,” Sneed says. “We aim to meet this demand by bringing our expertise and resources to the Rocket City. To support this expansion, we are committed to hiring local talent and investing in the local economy.”

Timberline One acquires Front Range Arborists

Front Range Arborists has been owned and operated in Colorado Springs since 1994.

Timberline One acquired Front Range Arborists in Colorado Springs, Col.

Front Range Arborists has been Colorado Springs-owned and operated since 1994 and has built a reputation for their expert tree, shrub and lawn care services. The company added its turf maintenance division back in 2002. It works with residential, commercial and municipal clients.

Tom Flynn, the former owner of Front Range Arborists, chose new owner, Tim Emick of Timberline One, to lead Front Range Arborists into the future, while also ensuring it remains family-owned and locally operated.

Emick has been the owner of Timberline Landscaping of Colorado Springs since 1982.

“Tom and his team were a natural match for Timberline,” says Judd Bryarly, CEO of Timberline One. “Both companies are family-owned and operated with an emphasis on employee growth and education while serving the client’s needs.”

Verde Equity Partners acquires LaBahn’s Landscaping

LaBahn’s Landscaping is a commercial landscape and property maintenance in Southern California and will continue to operate under its brand name.

Verde Property Services, the operating arm of San Diego-based private equity firm Verde Equity Partners, has acquired LaBahn’s Landscaping to expand commercial landscaping solutions.

LaBahn’s Landscaping is a commercial landscape and property maintenance in Southern California. It has offered commercial landscaping for over 40 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome LaBahn’s Landscaping to the Verde family,” says Tom Heaviland, CEO of Verde Property Services. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision of delivering comprehensive, sustainable and high-quality commercial landscaping services. LaBahn’s proven track record of excellence in landscaping will significantly enhance our service offerings and benefit our clients.”

“We are extremely excited to be working with Tom Heaviland again and the Verde team and are looking forward to our growth together,” says Chris Gillespie, president of LaBahn’s.

Envu buys Global Specialty Solutions from FMC Corporation

Envu will purchase the GSS business for a purchase price of $350 million, subject to closing working capital adjustment.

FMC Corporation signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Specialty Solutions (GSS) business to Environmental Science US, known as Envu, an environmental science company. Envu will purchase the GSS business for a purchase price of $350 million, subject to closing working capital adjustment.

In November 2023, FMC announced plans to explore strategic options for GSS, which includes a line of products that serve a diverse mix of non-crop markets such as golf courses, professional sports stadiums and pest control. As FMC concentrates on innovating products and services for the global crop protection market, GSS no longer has a clear, strategic role in the company’s mid- or longer-term goals, according to a news release.

“Global Specialty Solutions is a profitable business with a strong history of growth. We believe this agreement with Envu will provide the attention and resources it needs to continue thriving,” says Pierre Brondeau, FMC Chairman and CEO. “With this divestment, FMC can focus solely on its core business.”

Envu, which was acquired by international private equity firm Cinven in 2022, sees GSS as an opportunity to support its growth strategy.

“As a focused company that is dedicated to delivering forward-thinking solutions for our customers, we are excited by the prospect of joining forces with the GSS business,” says Gilles Galliou, Envu CEO. “We see significant synergies and potential for accelerated innovation from the combination. In addition, as the successful outcome of a carveout transaction ourselves, we believe we are the ideal partner to help GSS through this transition and maximize our collective potential.”

The transaction is expected to close by year-end 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. FMC intends to allocate all proceeds from the sale to debt reduction.

BofA Securities acted as financial adviser and McCarter & English was legal adviser to FMC, while Barclays acted as financial adviser and Baker McKenzie was legal adviser to Envu for the transaction. Further terms and conditions were not disclosed.

Bartlett Tree acquires Timberline in Memphis

Timberline was founded by Scott Woods in 1999 and has provided tree care to customers throughout Tennessee for the last 25 years.

Bartlett Tree Experts has expanded in Tennessee with the acquisition of Timberline Tree and Lawn Care, resulting in a new office in Memphis.

Timberline was founded by Scott Woods in 1999 and has provided tree care to customers throughout Tennessee for the last 25 years.

Woods was looking for the best ways to further expand their services to Lawrence, Shelby, McCraken, Fayette, Dyer and Mississippi counties and found the right fit in Bartlett Tree Experts.

“With the support of the research lab and as a leader in the industry for over 117 years, (Bartlett’s) customers can rely on local attention from highly skilled arborists and a commitment to service and safety,” Woods says.

Woods joins Bartlett’s new office in Memphis as an arborist representative, along with eight employees including Arborist Representative John Storley and a production team of plant health care specialists, arborist groundspersons and arborist climbers.

The new Memphis office adds to Bartlett’s growing presence in Tennessee, which also includes locations in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Johnson City.

“We see tremendous opportunities for growth in Memphis and throughout Tennessee, with its deep history, abundant spaces for outdoor recreation, and beautiful trees.

“We want to be a partner in this growth with our focus on scientific tree care to keep Memphis’ trees and landscapes healthy,” says Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer.

“It is exciting to open our fifth Tennessee office considering that a year ago, we had two offices in the state,” says Rob Allen, division manager and vice president for Bartlett’s Virginia and Tennessee operations.

Johnson promoted to brand president of Spring Green

Brad Johnson joined the company in 2020 and previously served as VP of franchise operations.

Spring Green is promoting Brad Johnson from vice president of franchise operations to brand president of Spring Green.

Johnson joined Spring Green in 2020, bringing over 20 years of franchise operations and leadership experience. His oversight of the franchise operations team has had a direct impact on the success of the franchise owners they support, as the average Spring Green franchise has grown by 55% over the four years since Johnson started with the company.

"I am honored to take on the role of president at Spring Green," Johnson says. "I look forward to continuing our work to support and grow our franchise owners' businesses, driving unit-level profitability and ensuring our collective success."

In his new role as president, Johnson will continue to oversee, build and develop the operations team with multiple new positions planned for 2024-25, while focusing on increased communication and guidance for the franchise system. Reporting directly to CEO Ted Hofer, Johnson will play a key role in driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of success across the organization.

"We are thrilled to have Brad step into the role of President," says James Young, COO of Spring Green Enterprises, parent company to the Spring Green and Pet Butler franchise brands. "The timing of this promotion is in line with our strategic plan and puts Brad at the center of our efforts, helping franchise owners expand into structural pest control to meet the needs of the shifting demographics and add the infrastructure needed to support their growth as Spring Green's average unit revenue grows to more than $2 million in the next five years. As our organization matures, the leadership skills and financial acumen needs of our franchise system have grown. We believe that Brad is the right person to lead us on this next phase of our journey. His dedication, vision, and leadership by example have been invaluable to our organization and we are confident that under his guidance, Spring Green will continue to thrive and expand.”