American Residential Services
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Plumbing, HVAC |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee , United States |
Area served | 24 states in the United States |
| Products | Plumbing and HVAC services |
| Revenue | $600 million (2010–2011) |
Number of employees | 6500 (2010–2011) |
| Parent | Charlesbank Capital Partners (since 2014) |
American Residential Services (ARS) represents a network of plumbing and HVAC companies across the United States, operating under the brand name ARS/Rescue Rooter. This identity was established following the integration of ARS and Rescue Rooter by their former parent organization, ServiceMaster. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, ARS provides services in 24 states. The company employs around 6,500 individuals and generated revenues totaling $600 million during the 2010–2011 period.
History
ARS was established in 1975 through the consolidation of various regional and local HVAC service providers. The "Rescue Rooter" trademark originated in 1976, registered by Rescue Industries Inc., a family-run plumbing and drain cleaning business based on the West Coast in California. During 1998 and 1999, ServiceMaster, headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, acquired both Rescue Rooter and ARS. These entities were initially combined under the "ARS/Service Express" brand before transitioning primarily to the "ARS/Rescue Rooter" name.
In October 2006, private equity firms Caxton-Iseman Capital and Royal Palm Capital Partners purchased ARS/Rescue Rooter from ServiceMaster for $100 million. Subsequently, in May 2014, Charlesbank Capital Partners acquired ARS from these investors, maintaining its commitment to growth in residential and commercial home services.