NEWS : Acquisition of PLUS Linen and Uniform Services

AmeriPride Services Acquires PLUS Linen and Uniform Service in Canton, N.C.

Minneapolis, Minn. -- (Dec. 28, 2012) -- AmeriPride Services Inc., a leading supplier of linen and uniform rental services in North America, announced today the acquisition of PLUS Linen and Uniform Services. The Canton production facility and its two service centers in Charlotte and Greenville will now operate as a wholly owned and fully functional AmeriPride branch.
PLUS Linen and Uniform Services      “PLUS is a great fit for our company,” said Bill Evans, President and CEO of AmeriPride. “This acquisition expands our geographic territory in the area and supports our efforts to grow profitably. Our work over the past few years has established a solid foundation for growth, and that includes strategic acquisitions in our key markets.”

AmeriPride does not plan to make any major changes to the business in the foreseeable future and is keeping the branch open at full capacity under the 'PLUS' name. Most employees and management have agreed to stay on board, including Kevin Lowery, who will become the General Manager of the branch.
“PLUS is a profitable business that is experiencing great growth right now and we do not want to disrupt that momentum,” said John Sutherland, Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations at AmeriPride. “We will continue to operate the branch ‘business as usual’ aside from a few necessary systems changes. Overall, we feel this business combination is a big win for our two companies, employees and customers.”

PLUS is a fourth-generation family business that was founded in the 1920s by M.C. Sprinkle and owned and operated by the family for more than 90 years. The family considered several other potential buyers before selecting AmeriPride.

“The similarities between our two companies and the personal connections we made with their management team sealed the deal for us,” said Kevin Lowery. “Going through the purchasing process with AmeriPride was a great experience and I’ve gotten to know and trust the people I will be working with. I’m looking forward to taking this company to the next level under the new ownership.”

The sale of the company was completed on December 28, 2012. Specific financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

About AmeriPride Services

Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, AmeriPride Services is recognized as one of the largest uniform rental and linen supply companies in North America. Operating more than 115 production facilities and service centers throughout the United States and Canada, AmeriPride provides linen, uniforms, floor mats, restroom products and facilities services to nearly 150,000 customers every week. Learn More...