Laytonsville, Md.-based Ruppert Landscape acquired Classic Landscaping, a grounds management company headquartered in Frederick, Md., with a second location in Camp Hill, Pa.
“Similar to Ruppert in many respects, Classic is a local, family-owned landscaping business that prioritizes the treatment of their team, customers and community over any short-term objectives,” said Ruppert Landscape President Phil Key. “They have built an excellent reputation and provided top-notch delivery of service over the past 40 years in the Frederick and Cumberland County markets.”
The transaction includes the purchase of both Classic facilities, all commercial landscape management contracts, vehicles and equipment and the hiring of more than 50 employees.
Ruppert ranked No. 7 on the 2017 LM150 list of largest landscape companies with nearly $150 million in 2016 revenue and more than 1,200 team members.
Ruppert is relocating its Frederick team from the current rented facility to join Classic’s team in its owned facility. The Camp Hill branch will join Ruppert’s two existing Pennsylvania landscape management operations located in Toughkenamon and King of Prussia.
“Ruppert is committed to retaining Classic’s entire team and all of their commercial landscape maintenance contracts,” said Tom Barry, president of Ruppert’s landscape management division. “This acquisition allows us to strengthen our Frederick team to better serve our customers and expand our service coverage in Pennsylvania.”
Founded by Scott Hall, Classic Landscaping has been doing business in central Maryland since 1979. When Hall passed away unexpectedly a little over a year ago, his widow, Sandie, continued to manage the business with the support of friends and family. Her goal became to transition the business to new ownership in a manner that honored her husband’s legacy by continuing their commitment to their employees, the community, the customers and partners.
“As we contemplated the future of the business and began looking for a buyer, we focused on three objectives: We wanted to find a company whose vision and values were in line with my husband’s; a place where our people would want to continue working and which would provide them with new opportunities and challenges; and leaders who saw the value that I see in our talented team and our company that we’ve worked so hard to build over the last 40 years,” said Sandie Hall. “I feel that we’ve found all this in Ruppert, and I feel confident entrusting our employees and customers to them.”
