Sopra Capital announced today its acquisition of HouseMaster, the oldest home inspection organization in the United States and Canada. Sopra Capital, LLC is a private equity and management firm focused on the acquisition and development of established franchise brands that are poised for growth. HouseMaster currently has over 395 franchised territories throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Founded in 1979 by Kenneth T. Austin, HouseMaster was the first home inspection franchise operation in the United States. Within a few years, HouseMaster expanded to 12 states. By 1993, there were 175 U.S. offices, and the company opened its first international office in the Winnipeg, Manitoba Province, of Canada. Since 2002, when HouseMaster’s current President Kathleen Austin Kuhn assumed control of the company, HouseMaster has grown to over 395 franchises located throughout North America.
“This is an exciting time for HouseMaster,” said Kuhn. “Our partnership with Sopra Capital will take HouseMaster to the next level. Sopra’s management team has the resources, franchising knowledge, and experience in growing franchise businesses to maximize the performance of existing HouseMaster franchisees while expanding the company into new and untapped markets. Given these new resources, the opportunities for the company and our franchisees truly are limitless.”
Formerly operating under HMA Franchise Systems, Inc., HouseMaster will now operate under the DBR Franchising, LLC name. Kuhn will remain as President of the company with Bernie Brozek, Operating Partner of Sopra Capital, assuming the role of CEO of DBR Franchising and HouseMaster.
“We believe that the timing for this partnership is ideal, and that HouseMaster represents exactly the type of franchise operation that can excel in current market conditions,” said Brozek. “We’ve evaluated HouseMaster closely and believe that this franchise is positioned for great success and our involvement in the company will make that success a reality.”
Logo from Sopra Capital.
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