Authority Brands at a glance
Who owns Authority Brands
Funds advised by Apax Partners acquired Authority Brands from PNC Riverarch Capital in September 2018. In September 2022 British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) took a significant minority stake, with the Apax funds keeping majority ownership.
Trades, footprint and model
Trades: Home-services franchising (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, restoration, cleaning, lawn, pool, in-home care and more)
Footprint: 15 franchise brands with more than 1,000 franchise owners operating 2,700+ territories, per its February 2026 release.
Model: Authority Brands is a franchisor. It acquires franchise systems (for example the Clockwork brands - One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky - bought in 2019) and grows by selling franchises. It does not describe itself as buying independent contractors as add-ons.
Brands (per company site): America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic, Homewatch CareGivers, The Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, STOP Restoration, Woofie’s.
Dated timeline
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-09-24 | Apax funds acquire Authority Brands from PNC Riverarch Capital | |
| 2019-02-21 | Agreement to acquire Clockwork (One Hour, Benjamin Franklin, Mister Sparky) from Direct Energy | |
| 2022-09-20 | BCI acquires a significant minority stake; Apax funds keep majority | |
| 2026-02-10 | 2025 results: 246 new franchise owners, 340 new territories; 15 brands |
What they say they look for
Its growth releases focus on recruiting new franchise owners, not acquiring independent businesses. For an independent owner, the realistic routes are converting to one of its brands or selling to an existing franchisee.
Questions to ask if Authority Brands approaches you
- Platform or add-on?
It sets the multiple range. Ask directly which one you would be.
- Cash at close vs rollover vs earn-out
Get the split in dollars. Ask how rollover equity is valued and when it can be sold. See rollover equity.
- Your role and for how long
Employment term, non-compete length and territory, and what happens if you leave early.
- What happens to your brand, people and customers
Get commitments on staff pay, benefits and brand in writing if they matter to you.
- Sponsor timeline
When did the current owner invest, and when do they expect to sell? It affects your rollover payout.
Comparable acquirers
TradeExit Guide is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or paid by Authority Brands or any acquirer. This profile uses only public sources linked above. Request a correction.
Got a letter from this buyer? Get the offer-review checklist
Twelve questions to ask any acquirer before you share numbers or sign an LOI.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Authority Brands?
Funds advised by Apax Partners acquired Authority Brands from PNC Riverarch Capital in September 2018. In September 2022 British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) took a significant minority stake, with the Apax funds keeping majority ownership.
Is TradeExit Guide affiliated with Authority Brands?
No. We have no relationship with any acquirer and take no fees from buyers or sellers.
Sources
- Authority Brands - Apax funds acquire Authority Brands from PNC Riverarch Capital (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Authority Brands - Agreement to acquire Clockwork (One Hour, Benjamin Franklin, Mister Sp (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Authority Brands - BCI acquires a significant minority stake; Apax funds keep majority (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Authority Brands - 2025 results: 246 new franchise owners, 340 new territories; 15 brands (accessed 2026-09-23)