GAITHERSBURG, Md. – Brickman announced the acquisition of Indianapolis-based First Class Lawn & Landscape. While both companies operated in Indianapolis and surrounding areas, the acquisition will enable Brickman to become the market leader in commercial landscaping services throughout the region.

First Class owner Brad Shaffer started the business in 1993 with a push mower and a pickup, and went on to create a market leading business renowned for its customer service. In 2008, Indiana Business Journal listed the company as number twelve on their list of Fastest Growing Private Companies, having grown 147 percent in three years.

 “Over the years First Class has worked hard to create a culture of significance. Our main focus has been on our people and customers. I am confident this new alignment with Brickman will prove to be yet another step in the right direction for our team,” says Shaffer.

For the remainder of the 2010 season, First Class will continue in its current locations under the name First Class Lawn and Landscape, a Division of Brickman. At the end of the year, the company will transition fully to the Brickman brand and operational processes.

First Class’ two locations, north and south of the city, will complement Brickman’s existing six locations surrounding the city to offer expanded coverage for customers both local and national. First Class’ customers can look forward to the same service and quality they currently enjoy, now backed with Brickman’s powerful national resources to augment the tools and the professionals serving their sites.

“We’re excited to have First Class’ team join our Indy operations,” says Neil Carter, Brickman’s Divisional Vice President for the Midwest. “I am confident that Brad Shaffer and his leadership team, working alongside our current Brickman team members, will help establish Brickman as the market leader and provider of choice in commercial landscape management in Indiana.”

Brad Shaffer and his management team will remain in their current positions, continuing to serve existing clients, adding in Brickman clients, and growing the market into the newest Division of Brickman.

“My team and I are looking forward to becoming a part of Brickman,” says Shaffer. “The Brickman ‘True North’ philosophy of treating people with dignity was a key factor in my decision. Ultimately this business is about relationships and our new team will be the best equipped commercial landscape maintenance organization in the state.”