Ecolab strengthens pest and cleaning services

The firm bought three pest services businesses that provide specialized capabilities in food storage.

Acquired companies are Food Protection Services LLC (FPS), which operates in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Midwest and the Mississippi Delta; Royal Pest Solutions, Inc., in the Mid-Atlantic region from New Jersey to South Carolina; and Research Fumigation Company, LLC, serving customers in the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Sales for the combined companies were $36m in 2016. The transactions closed 1 December.

Bobby Mendez, executive VP and president of Ecolab’s Global Services and Specialty business, said the acquisitions complement its offerings in the food and beverage market.

“They bring a premium product and service approach similar to our own, and through the addition of their expertise in food storage treatment, we can further strengthen our pest services offering to food and beverage customers – and play a bigger role in protecting the safety of food and our customer’s operations across the food chain.”​

Ecolab has also acquired RP Adam (Arpal Group), a manufacturer of cleaning and disinfectant products based in Selkirk, Scotland.

The UK operation employs 85 factory and field personnel and the UAE site in Dubai, has 46 employees. Annual sales for the group are $20m.

For Ecolab, the deal brings strength in regional, independent customers and in the long-term care sector in the UK, along with Arpal Gulf’s expertise in commercial catering in the UAE.

For Arpal Group, Ecolab’s reach in corporate accounts presents opportunities to develop product and equipment, customer and employee training and customer service capabilities.