No audio available for this content.
Cetane Associates (Cetane), announced that Fortress Pest Brands (Fortress), a portfolio company of private equity firm Riverarch Equity Partners (Riverarch), has acquired Chesapeake, Va.-based A-1 Inc. Exterminators. The transaction was completed on April 30, 2026.
Karen Pye, Co-owner, commented in a news release, “It was a difficult decision to move forward with the sale of our family business, but Cetane’s endless patience, guidance and advice made the process much more manageable. They provided reassurance every step of the way and were always available to answer our questions and address our concerns. Most importantly, Cetane found the right match for our company, giving us peace of mind that the business would be in capable hands for years to come. We are grateful for their professionalism, expertise and support throughout the entire journey.”
Fortress, through its operating brands, provides residential and commercial pest prevention and control services in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Fortress is a portfolio company of Riverarch, a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in market-leading companies and partnering with management teams to drive growth. Since its founding in 2011, Riverarch has invested in 40 platform companies and completed more than 130 add-on acquisitions.
Nick Stein, Director at Cetane Associates, added, “It was a privilege to work alongside Karen and Joe throughout this process. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate this transaction and are excited to see A-1 Exterminators begin its next chapter with Fortress.
Cetane served as the sole arranger to A-1 Exterminators. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in negotiating the final deal terms and coordinating the due diligence process. Team members Nick Stein, Trey Brasseaux, Dalton Brooks and Grant Su managed the transaction.
About Cetane Associates
Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the pest control industry. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs, and acquisitions, as well as to perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments. For more information, please visit www.cetane.com
About A-1 Exterminators
A-1 Exterminators is a third-generation, family-owned pest control company serving Virginia since 1970. Led by mother and son team Karen Pye and Joe Potter, the Company provides comprehensive pest, termite, mosquito, rodent and moisture control services with a reputation for honest, dependable, and professional service.
