Plunkett’s acquires Johnstown Pest Control

From left are Plunkett’s Scott Steckel and Mark Goodman with Johnstown’s Trina, Don and Carlo Cortese. PHOTO: THE POTOMAC CO.

Fridley, Minn.-based Plunkett’s Pest Control has acquired Johnstown Pest Control, based in Johnstown, Pa. Terms were not disclosed. The Potomac Co.’s Paul Giannamore and Franco Villanueva-Meyer represented and acted as exclusive financial advisors to Johnstown Pest Control in this transaction.

“Our merger with Johnstown Pest Control couldn’t be a better fit,” Stacy O’Reilly, third-generation owner of Plunkett’s Pest Control, said in a news release. “Their service footprint fits perfectly with our existing service territory and our plan to grow our business in the tri-county area. We’re excited to start meeting their customers and serving them well.”

Don and Trina Cortese have owned Johnstown Pest Control since 1980, and are now “happily anticipating retirement,” with Trina stating in the news release, “With this merger, we found a partner with comparable values — a partner focused on service excellence — who will continue to provide opportunities for our team, as well as additional service offerings to our customers. We feel confident about leaving our life’s work in Plunkett’s hands.”

Both family-owned companies are full-service residential and commercial pest management service providers.

ABOUT PLUNKETT’S PEST CONTROL
Plunkett’s Pest Control was founded as Plunkett’s Exterminating Co. in 1915 by Tom Plunkett, who died in 1923. Technician Bill O’Reilly purchased the company from the Plunkett family that year, and his family has been at the helm ever since: Bill’s son John took over as president in 1968, and John’s daughter Stacy has been president since 2003.

Today, the company has offices in Fridley, Minn., and Columbus, Ohio, and serves customers in 20 states.