Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) announced today the completion of a merger transaction providing for the acquisition of The ServiceMaster Company (NYSE:SVM) by ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc., a holding company owned by CD&R-managed funds and other investors. ServiceMaster stockholders had approved the adoption of the merger agreement at a special stockholder meeting on June 28, 2007. Pursuant to the merger, ServiceMaster’s stockholders are entitled to receive $15.625 in cash, without interest, for each share of common stock that they owned immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. The transaction is valued at $5.5 billion.
As previously announced, George W. Tamke, a CD&R Operating Partner, has assumed the position of Chairman of the ServiceMaster Global Holdings Board of Directors. J. Patrick Spainhour will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of ServiceMaster and will be the Chief Executive Officer of ServiceMaster Global Holdings.
“We believe ServiceMaster’s market leadership in outsourcing services provides a strong foundation to build an even more valuable company,” said Mr. Tamke. “We are pleased to be working with ServiceMaster’s management team on a range of operating and marketing initiatives to move the company forward to the next level of profitable growth.”
“As a private enterprise, our focus will remain on building superior customer relationships, while maintaining the core values that have been the foundation of our company,” said Mr. Spainhour. “We are ready to take full advantage of the new ownership structure that will allow us to move faster in developing and delivering industry leading products and customer service.”
Computershare Inc. has been appointed as the paying agent for payment of the merger consideration. Stockholders with inquiries regarding the merger payment process should contact Computershare at 888-834-0744. As a result of the completion of the merger, ServiceMaster’s shares will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
About ServiceMaster
ServiceMaster currently serves residential and commercial customers through a network of over 5,500 company-owned locations and franchised licenses. The Company’s brands include TruGreen, TruGreen LandCare, Terminix, American Home Shield, InStar Services Group, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic, and AmeriSpec. The core services of the Company include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, home warranties, disaster response and reconstruction, cleaning and disaster restoration, house cleaning, furniture repair, and home inspection.