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Cintas company history timeline

1968

Funded with $400,000 in equity raised by Farmer and his 23-year-old controller, Robert Kohlhepp, Satellite established new uniform plants throughout the Midwest's major cities, starting with Cleveland, in 1968.

In 1968, Dick Farmer founded the Satellite Corporation.

1972

Satellite and Acme merged two years later, and the unified company's name was changed to Cintas in 1972.

1973

Farmer had originally hoped to raise additional growth funds by taking the company public in 1973 but found equity markets inhospitable to initial public offerings at that time.

1983

Richard Farmer finally took his company public in 1983, selling a minority stake on the over-the-counter market at $17 per share.

1995

In 1995, he turned over the chief executive office and presidency to his longtime right-hand man, Robert Kohlhepp.

Cintas expanded its uniform services into Canada with the acquisition of Cadet Uniform Service Ltd in 1995.

1996

Bob Kohlhepp became CEO in 1996, while Dick Farmer became Chairman of the Board.

1997

In 1997, Cintas acquired two businesses that supplied OSHA-required first-aid kits to companies.

In 1997, Richard's son Scott Farmer was promoted to president, setting up the fourth generation of Farmers to lead the company.

1997: The company moves into the first aid market.

1998

Some were larger companies, such as Uniforms to You, which Cintas bought in 1998.

Sales for Cintas in 1998 were over $1 billion.

1999

Then, in 1999, Cintas made its largest acquisition yet, taking up one of its prime rivals, Kansas City-based Unitog Co.

By 1999, Cintas's operations had grown to over 200 uniform rental facilities across the United States.

2003

In 2003, Cintas acquired Kamp Fire Equipment, a distributor of fire safety products and services.

2007

Another investigation involved the March 2007 death of a Tulsa, Oklahoma employee.

2015

In 2015, Cintas acquired Zee Medical from McKesson Corporation for approximately $130 million.

2016

In 2016, CEO Scott Farmer became chairman of the board.

2017

In 2017, Cintas made their largest acquisition with G&K Services for $2.2 billion.

2021

August 5, 2021 Founder Dick Farmer died.

In 2021, Scott Farmer retired as CEO, retaining his position as Executive Chairman.

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Founded
1968
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Cintas competitors

Company nameFounded dateRevenueEmployee sizeJob openings
UPS1907$91.1B481,0001,336
Whirlpool1911$16.6B78,000200
Morgan Stanley1935$3.0B68,0971,252
The Home Depot1978$159.5B500,00125,428
Aetna1853$60.6B47,9509
G&K Services-$993.0M7,800-
Ally Financial1919$6.4B8,7007
UniFirst1936$2.4B14,000529
UnitedHealth Group1977$400.3B300,0008,940
Print-O-Stat1954$35.1M100-

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