ServiceMaster Announces Fourth Quarter Cash Dividend

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - The ServiceMaster Co. announced the declaration of a fourth quarter 2004 cash dividend of $.11 per share payable on November 30 to shareholders of record on November 11. The announced dividend reflects a 2.4-percent increase in the full year 2004 dividend amount of $.43 per share compared to the $.42 per share paid in 2003.

The company approves its actual dividend payment on a quarterly basis and regularly reviews its dividend policy, share repurchase program and other capital structure objectives.

ServiceMaster currently provides outsourcing services for more than 10.5 million residential and commercial customers. The core service capabilities of the company include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, home warranty, plumbing, heating and air conditioning services (HVAC), cleaning and disaster restoration, furniture repair and home inspection services.

These services are provided through a network of over 5,400 company-owned and franchised service centers and business units operating under leading brands which include TruGreen ChemLawn, TruGreen LandCare, Terminix, ARS Service Express, Rescue Rooter, American Mechanical Services, ServiceMaster Clean, American Home Shield, AmeriSpec, Merry Maids and Furniture Medic.