Key Takeaways
- • PestCo Holdings, backed by Thompson Street Capital Partners, acquired University Termite & Pest Control, a family-owned Arizona pest management firm founded in 1974, marking PestCo's third entry into Arizona and part of its broader consolidation strategy across 20+ acquisitions since late 2021.
- • University Termite generated significant strategic value through its statewide infrastructure—one of only three pest control companies capable of servicing all of Arizona—combined with dual expertise in both residential and commercial segments serving schools, hospitals, and food preparation facilities.
- • The U.S. pest control industry generated $29.7 billion in revenue in 2026 with a 3.4% compound annual growth rate, with over 34,000 fragmented providers offering continued consolidation opportunities for national platforms like PestCo.
- • PestCo, formed in late 2021 by Thompson Street and CEO Jay Keating, has grown into a multi-regional operator spanning the mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Texas, and Southwest through acquisitions including Presto Pest Control, Pointe Pest Control, United Pest Solutions, and Green Mango Pest Control.
- • Ryan and Krista Horn, who acquired University Termite in 2020 following founder Rick Rupkey Sr.'s death in 2019, cited PestCo's collaborative acquisition approach and commitment to employee and customer retention as key factors in the transaction decision.
Summary
PestCo Holdings has acquired University Termite & Pest Control, a 52-year-old Arizona pest management company, as part of its accelerating consolidation strategy in the fragmented U.S. pest control sector. The transaction represents PestCo's third acquisition in Arizona and extends the platform's geographic footprint across multiple regions since its formation in late 2021.
University Termite operates statewide across Arizona serving residential and commercial accounts, including schools, hospitals, and food preparation facilities. The company holds a competitive advantage as one of only three pest control providers with infrastructure capable of servicing the entire state. Founded by Rick Rupkey Sr. in Tucson in December 1974, the company was acquired by current owners Ryan and Krista Horn in 2020, following Rupkey's death in 2019. Ryan Horn brings nearly three decades of industry experience, having worked in pest management since 1996. The company employs an integrated pest management approach that uses monitoring, prevention, and targeted treatment to minimize environmental impact.
PestCo Holdings, backed by St. Louis-based private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners and led by CEO Jay Keating, has executed more than 20 acquisitions since its late 2021 launch. Previous acquisitions include Presto Pest Control, Pointe Pest Control, United Pest Solutions, Green Mango Pest Control, Arizona's Best Choice Pest & Termite Services, and Southwest Exterminating. The platform is headquartered in St. Louis and operates across the mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Texas, and Southwest regions.
The acquisition reflects broader industry consolidation dynamics. According to IBISWorld, the U.S. pest control industry generated approximately $29.7 billion in revenue in 2026, growing at a 3.4% compound annual growth rate over the prior five years. The sector remains highly fragmented, with more than 34,000 businesses operating independently—a landscape that continues to attract consolidation by national platforms. IBISWorld projects sustained growth over the next five years driven by this fragmentation-to-consolidation dynamic.
Ryan and Krista Horn emphasized PestCo's patient, collaborative transaction approach in their decision to sell, stating they "never felt an ounce of pressure" and praised PestCo's commitment to retaining employees and serving existing customers. Jay Keating highlighted the commercial expertise University Termite brings alongside its strong residential operations, noting that PestCo's acquisition strategy focuses on "earning customer loyalty and creating opportunities for employees." Dan Cooper, a managing director at Thompson Street, characterized the acquisition as consistent with the firm's strategy to support PestCo's continued Southwest expansion through well-established regional providers.
University Termite operates statewide across Arizona serving residential and commercial accounts, including schools, hospitals, and food preparation facilities. The company holds a competitive advantage as one of only three pest control providers with infrastructure capable of servicing the entire state. Founded by Rick Rupkey Sr. in Tucson in December 1974, the company was acquired by current owners Ryan and Krista Horn in 2020, following Rupkey's death in 2019. Ryan Horn brings nearly three decades of industry experience, having worked in pest management since 1996. The company employs an integrated pest management approach that uses monitoring, prevention, and targeted treatment to minimize environmental impact.
PestCo Holdings, backed by St. Louis-based private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners and led by CEO Jay Keating, has executed more than 20 acquisitions since its late 2021 launch. Previous acquisitions include Presto Pest Control, Pointe Pest Control, United Pest Solutions, Green Mango Pest Control, Arizona's Best Choice Pest & Termite Services, and Southwest Exterminating. The platform is headquartered in St. Louis and operates across the mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Texas, and Southwest regions.
The acquisition reflects broader industry consolidation dynamics. According to IBISWorld, the U.S. pest control industry generated approximately $29.7 billion in revenue in 2026, growing at a 3.4% compound annual growth rate over the prior five years. The sector remains highly fragmented, with more than 34,000 businesses operating independently—a landscape that continues to attract consolidation by national platforms. IBISWorld projects sustained growth over the next five years driven by this fragmentation-to-consolidation dynamic.
Ryan and Krista Horn emphasized PestCo's patient, collaborative transaction approach in their decision to sell, stating they "never felt an ounce of pressure" and praised PestCo's commitment to retaining employees and serving existing customers. Jay Keating highlighted the commercial expertise University Termite brings alongside its strong residential operations, noting that PestCo's acquisition strategy focuses on "earning customer loyalty and creating opportunities for employees." Dan Cooper, a managing director at Thompson Street, characterized the acquisition as consistent with the firm's strategy to support PestCo's continued Southwest expansion through well-established regional providers.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.