The Dwyer Group announces national acquisition search; appointment

WACO, Texas –The Dwyer Group is actively searching for additional service and repair-based franchisors for possible acquisition.  To aid in the search, the company has launched a new section of its website at www.dwyergroup.com/acquisitions allowing franchisors a detailed look at the acquisition strategy and the criteria they must meet to be considered.

“We’ve had incredible success with our seven franchise brands, and we are in a leadership role to grow an additional concept across the country that complements our network,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group.

Supporting that expansion is TZP Group LLC, the private-equity firm that acquired The Dwyer Group in a $150-million transaction last December. Together, TZP and The Dwyer Group are targeting residential and light commercial repair and maintenance companies with a proven record of profitability that can deliver additional services to an already loyal customer base across The Dwyer Group’s existing brands.

“The Dwyer Group’s track record speaks volumes in today’s economy that the right team and the right systems are in place to turn the right franchise opportunity into a national leader,” said Sam Katz, managing partner of TZP Group LLC.

The Dwyer Group is interested in specific industries such as moving services, pest-control services, pool cleaning, maid services, painting services and roofing among sectors for growth. Companies must have a minimum EBITDA of $2 million.

“For me, it’s not just about adding a new concept to our company,” Dwyer-Owens said.  “It’s about helping a franchisor realize its vision with our strong Code of Values and support, and then growing that brand on a national level to exceed customers’ expectations for services that are in demand.”

The company also appointed Mark Dawson as national account liaison across all of The Dwyer Group’s brands.

Dawson, who also serves as the president of Glass Doctor, will work with the national account director for each of The Dwyer Group’s franchise concepts and identify areas where national business relationships may benefit multiple Dwyer Group concepts and vice versa.

“My goal is to unify our communications and see what synergies we have in common across our brands and their respective national accounts,” Dawson said about his new duties.

Over the past five years, The Dwyer Group has increased its number of franchise locations by 27 percent across seven brands. National accounts have prospered as well to drive business to franchisees and, in return, provide system-wide coverage and service to those accounts looking for a trusted service provider.

“Mark is a visionary who understands the big picture of big business as well as the potential for a single franchisee within that opportunity,” said Mike Bidwell, president and chief operating officer for The Dwyer Group.  “He’s been a franchise owner too.  And that brings valuable understanding for how national relationships can impact the grassroots level.”

Dawson was a Glass Doctor franchisee from 1992 – 2004 and a Mr. Rooter franchisee from 2000 - 2004.  He joined The Dwyer Group’s corporate office in 2004 and was promoted to president of Glass Doctor in July of 2005.  He will maintain both roles as president of Glass Doctor and national accounts liaison for The Dwyer Group moving forward.