Air Around the Clock Acquired in Swift, PE-Backed Consolidation Play

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – May 27, 2026 – In a move that underscores a powerful consolidation trend sweeping the nation's home services industry, Air Around the Clock, a South Florida institution for nearly four decades, has been acquired by the Kansas City–based Flint Group. The transaction, advised by Transworld M&A Advisors, was completed with remarkable speed, closing just 60 days after the letter of intent was signed.

The acquisition brings the premier local HVAC and plumbing provider under the umbrella of a rapidly expanding national platform backed by General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm. This deal not only marks a new chapter for a long-standing local business but also serves as a clear indicator of private equity's increasing appetite for the stable, recurring revenue streams found in the fragmented home services market.

The New Landscape of Home Services

The acquisition of Air Around the Clock is not an isolated event but a prime example of a larger strategic play. The North American home services market, particularly HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, has long been characterized by thousands of independent, family-owned businesses. This fragmentation presents a ripe opportunity for consolidators like Flint Group, which aims to build a national powerhouse by acquiring and integrating the best regional operators.

Founded in 2019, Flint Group's strategy centers on partnering with founder-led companies, providing them with capital and operational expertise while promising to honor their local legacies. This approach has proven attractive to business owners looking for an exit strategy or a path to accelerated growth. The backing of General Atlantic, which made a strategic investment in Flint Group in 2023, provides the financial muscle needed to execute this ambitious roll-up strategy. With a portfolio that already includes prominent service providers in markets from Seattle to Boston, Flint Group is methodically assembling a coast-to-coast network.

The Florida HVAC market is a particularly attractive prize. Valued at over $9.6 billion, it is the second-largest in the United States, fueled by relentless population growth, a demanding climate that shortens equipment lifecycles, and a massive tourism industry. With over 6,300 contractors, the state is a key battleground for consolidation, and securing a premier asset like Air Around the Clock gives Flint Group a significant foothold in the lucrative South Florida region.

A South Florida Fixture Enters a New Era

For almost 40 years, Air Around the Clock has been a household name in South Florida, known for its extensive HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing services. The company built a reputation for reliability across residential and commercial sectors in a market that accounts for an estimated $2.3 billion in annual revenue. The sale represents a pivotal moment for the company, its employees, and its loyal customer base.

Eric Pereira, President of Air Around the Clock, expressed optimism about the company's future under new ownership. "Partnering with Flint Group opens exciting new growth opportunities for our company," Pereira stated. "We look forward to building on what we've created and expanding our reach under new ownership." This sentiment suggests a focus on continuity and expansion, rather than a disruptive takeover.

For Flint Group, the acquisition is a strategic move to integrate a high-quality, service-oriented business into its growing family of brands. "We are excited to welcome Air Around the Clock to the Flint Group family," said Trevor Flannigan, CEO of Flint Group. "This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to partnering with high-quality, service-oriented businesses and supporting their long-term growth. We are thrilled to add Air Around the Clock to the Flint Group family and look forward to many more years of growth."

Orchestrating a High-Speed Transaction

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of the deal is its speed. Closing a complex M&A transaction in just 60 days from the signing of a letter of intent is a significant achievement. The average M&A process can take anywhere from six to twelve months, with the due diligence and closing phase alone often spanning 90 days or more. This accelerated timeline points to a highly motivated buyer and seller, as well as exceptional execution by the advisory team.

Transworld M&A Advisors, which served as the exclusive sell-side advisor, played a crucial role in navigating the deal's complexities. The team, led by Managing Director Peter Berg, was praised for its efficiency and expertise. "Peter Berg and the entire Transworld team did an outstanding job identifying the right partner and guiding us through every step toward a successful outcome," said Pereira.

Berg noted the intense market interest in a company of Air Around the Clock's caliber. "There was strong investor interest in a high-quality company like Air Around the Clock," he explained. "Our attention to the extraordinary number of details in a transaction of this complexity allowed us to reach an excellent outcome for all parties in a short period of time. Flint Group will be excellent partners for the business going forward."

Transworld's proficiency in the home services sector is well-documented, with a track record that includes facilitating sales of other HVAC and electrical contractors to both strategic acquirers and private equity groups. This specialized knowledge likely contributed to the seamless and rapid execution of the deal, connecting a high-value local business with a perfectly aligned national buyer. The deal team's ability to manage the intricate details of due diligence, financing, and negotiations within such a compressed timeframe highlights the value of experienced M&A advisory in today's fast-paced market. This transaction showcases how expert guidance can transform a potentially lengthy and arduous process into a swift and successful conclusion for all stakeholders involved.

The deal is a testament to the increasing sophistication and velocity of M&A activity in the small-to-mid-market space, where preparation and professional representation are key to maximizing value and achieving strategic goals. As private equity continues to pour capital into consolidating essential industries, the role of advisors who can navigate this landscape effectively becomes ever more critical for founder-led businesses contemplating their next chapter.