SACRAMENTO, Calif. - ARS/Rescue Rooter, a privately held, nationwide provider of air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services, has announced the purchase of the Residential Services Division of Beutler Corp. and the formation of a strategic alliance with Beutler in Northern California.

Beutler, one of the nation’s leading residential HVAC new construction contractors, will continue to provide new construction HVAC services while ARS/Rescue Rooter expands the residential service and replacement business under the brand name Beutler/ARS Air Conditioning Services.

“This acquisition allows us to enter into the attractive Northern California market with a significant existing customer base built upon the superior brand equity that Beutler has developed over the past 60 years,” said Dave Slott, ARS/Rescue Rooter president and chief operating officer.

ARS said the strategic alliance is designed to optimize the strengths of each entity, providing comprehensive HVAC service including residential new construction, warranty, replacement, enhancement, and maintenance services.

“Our companies are an ideal fit. Our teams worked together to explore mutually beneficial opportunities in this challenging economy,” said Kenneth Goodrich, ARS/Rescue Rooter southwest division vice president. “We are excited about our entry into Northern California and look forward to perfecting these types of strategic alliances nationwide.”

ARS/Rescue Rooter and Beutler will both work from Beutler’s existing Sacramento headquarters and will immediately begin hiring technicians and staff.

“We can’t imagine a better company to partner with in order to strengthen and expand the Beutler brand presence,” said Rick Wylie, president of Beutler Corp. “Whether new or existing customers, this powerful alliance is good news for everyone but the competition.”

“We are building a nationwide HVAC and plumbing footprint by continuing to add quality service providers such as Beutler,” said Don Karnes, ARS/Rescue Rooter chief executive officer. “Rick and his team coincide very well with our strategic vision to be the premier service provider and the premier employer in the HVAC and plumbing service industries.”

For more information, visit www.ars.com.

Publication date: 08/02/2010