CHICAGO — Word of two industry acquisitions, one in equipment distribution and the other in uniform and facility services, has reached American Laundry News. Gulf Breeze, Fla.-based distributor Commercial Laundry and Equipment Co. (CLEC) recently expanded its territory in the Gulf region by purchasing Ebner Equipment Co. Meanwhile, G&K Services reports that it has acquired “substantially all of the assets of” Best Uniform Rental.CLEC PURCHASES LOUISIANA DISTRIBUTOR
An IPSO brand distributor headquartered in Lafayette, La., Ebner has serviced southern and northern Louisiana under the direction of its founder and 35-year industry veteran, Gene Ebner.
“This acquisition keeps with our overall strategy to continue our growth in this region of the country,” says Craig Dakauskas, CLEC vice president of sales. “We hope to build on the solid customer base Gene has created.”
Ebner is staying on as a consultant during the transition period. Additionally, CLEC has hired Ross VanderHeiden to replace him in a sales capacity. VanderHeiden will work out of the Lafayette facility.
With 30 years in the business, CLEC serves the on-premises and vended laundry equipment needs of clients in Louisiana, Mississippi, the Florida panhandle and parts of Georgia and Alabama by selling UniMac, Speed Queen and IPSO brand equipment.G&K SERVICES ACQUIRES BEST UNIFORM RENTAL
Best Uniform Rental is a uniform and facility services company that serves customers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“We’re pleased to further strengthen our market presence with the acquisition of Best Uniform Rental,” says Richard Marcantonio, G&K’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Best Uniform Rental has been a strong Mid-Atlantic operator for over three decades, resulting in a solid and growing customer base. We welcome Best Uniform Rental’s employees and customers to G&K.”
The acquisition increases G&K’s market share in the Mid-Atlantic region and will contribute approximately $7 million in annual revenue. Additionally, it expands G&K’s North American customer service network.
“Acquisitions remain one of several key strategic initiatives we’re pursuing to further accelerate revenue growth and drive margin expansion,” Marcantonio adds. “Over the years, we’ve successfully acquired a number of quality businesses to expand our presence, strengthen our competitive advantage and improve our financial performance.”
Headquartered in Minneapolis, G&K Services is a market leader in branded identity apparel programs and facility services in the United States and Canada, operating more than 160 processing facilities and branch offices in serving more than 160,000 customers.
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