Steritech history

Yet its stock price remained low, leaving it open to Rentokil's hostile takeover in 1996.

Nor was Rentokil's quest for growth undiminished: by 1997, the company was back on the acquisition trail, adding the textile services divisions of France's Generale des Eaux, itself in the process of transforming into Vivendi Universal.

The company continued its acquisition drive through 1998, adding ten more companies to its various services divisions.

Much of its acquisition interest has gone toward bolt-on purchases, including 12 businesses in 2000.

By the end of 2001, the company had succeeding in raising more than £620 million in a series of selloffs that had trimmed nearly 30 percent of the company's annual revenues as well.

Thompson announced his intention to step down as chief executive at the end of 2002, taking on the position of non-executive chairman instead.

Rentokil was selected as the preferred supplier of pest control services and products to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In 2012 a Global Science Centre was established to undertake research, development and regulatory work for the Pest Control and Hygiene businesses.

An international ‘Bring her Home’ campaign was launched in Adelaide and in late 2013 the ship bearing the City’s name began its voyage home.

Signature won the prestigious Red Dot Design award in 2014.

To advance the service offerings for our clients, Steritech joined the Rentokil family of companies in 2015, a global leader providing outstanding services to businesses around the world.

© Rentokil Initial plc 2021