ServiceMaster Expands Pest Control Business in UK and US Firms' Earnings Decline

Strategic Insights -

ServiceMaster, a leading provider of pest control and restoration services, has significantly expanded its presence in the United Kingdom through the acquisition of National Britannia, the third-largest pest control company in the region. This strategic move has further strengthened Terminix's position as the second-largest pest control company in the UK. Meanwhile, two other US-based companies, Aftermarket Technology Corp. and Spyglass Inc., have announced changes in their projected earnings and a significant partnership with Lucent Technologies Inc., respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • ServiceMaster has acquired the pest control business of National Britannia, the third-largest pest control company in the United Kingdom, for an undisclosed amount.
  • The acquisition will strengthen Terminix's position as the second-largest pest control company in the UK.
  • Aftermarket Technology Corp. has reduced its projected third- and fourth-quarter profit per share due to reduced shipments to customers with excess inventory.
  • The Westmont-based company expects to report its third-quarter results on November 2.
  • Spyglass Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc. have collaborated to demonstrate the feasibility of voice-activated Web browsing at this year's Wireless Information Technology Conference in Las Vegas.
  • The prototype service allows users to access standard Web pages using voice commands, including voice-synthesized sports scores, weather information, or stock updates.

Statistics:

  • National Britannia's 1998 revenue is expected to be approximately $20 million.
  • Terminix-Peter Cox Ltd. has acquired National Britannia's pest control business.
  • Aftermarket Technology Corp. expects its third- and fourth-quarter profit per share to be between 10 cents and 12 cents.
  • The Wireless Information Technology Conference in Las Vegas will feature a demonstration of voice-activated Web browsing technology by Spyglass Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc.
  • 11,000 Automotive drive - train products will be the products being made by aftermarket Technology Corp.

Sources:

  • "ServiceMaster adds British firm DOWNERS GROVE - ServiceMaster said Monday it has acquired the pest control business of National Britannia, the third-largest pest control company in the United Kingdom." (Chicago Tribune, no date listed)
  • "Aftermarket Tech cuts forecast WESTMONT - Aftermarket Technology Corp. said Monday its projected third- and fourth-quarter profit per share will be below current consensus estimates." (Chicago Tribune, no date listed)
  • "Spyglass, Lucent pair up on demo NAPERVILLE - Spyglass Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc. said Monday they are collaborating to demonstrate the feasibility of voice activated Web browsing at this year's Wireless Information Technology Conference in Las Vegas." (Chicago Tribune, no date listed)