Simpson Thacher represented Authority Brands and Apax Partners in connection with Authority Brand’s acquisition of DoodyCalls. The acquisition marks the eighth brand addition for Authority Brands since October 2018, with DoodyCalls representing the company's tenth brand in its home service portfolio. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1999 by husband-and-wife team Jacob and Susan D'Aniello, DoodyCalls has transformed from a side business to the nation's leading pet waste removal service for dog owners. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and with operations in more than 45 territories in 16 states, DoodyCalls has made its mission to put the company's customers first while always continuing to solve pet waste problems for the planet using its unmatched industry expertise.
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands' companies include ten leading home service franchisors, America's Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, Homewatch CareGivers, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, and STOP Restoration. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1,900 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology and operational support.
The Simpson Thacher team included Ben Schaye and Sung Jin (M&A); Sophie Staples (Tax); Jamin Koslowe (ECEB); Lori Lesser and Alysha Sekhon (IP); James Doyle, Mark Haddox and Jordan Chafetz (Credit); Steven DeLott (Insurance); and Michael Isby (Environmental).