Exscape Group Deepens Columbus Roots with Buckeye Partnership

CLEVELAND, OH – March 27, 2026 – Exscape Group, a rapidly expanding landscaping platform, today announced a strategic partnership with Buckeye Landscape Service, a long-standing commercial provider in the Columbus market. While framed as a collaboration of two Ohio legacy brands, the move marks the latest step in a deliberate and well-funded campaign to consolidate the state's fragmented landscape services industry, continuing a trend of acquisitions backed by private equity investment.

This partnership follows a series of similar deals for Exscape Group. In December 2025, the company entered the Columbus market by acquiring three other local firms: WinnScapes, Pony Lawncare and Landscaping, and Shearer Patio & Landscape Services. The addition of Buckeye Landscape Service solidifies Exscape's growing dominance in Central Ohio, transforming the competitive dynamics of the regional market.

The Consolidation Game in Ohio's Green Industry

The driving force behind Exscape Group's aggressive expansion is its partnership with private equity firm BHMS Investments, which specializes in a "buy-and-build" strategy. Exscape Group itself was formed in June 2025 through the BHMS-backed combination of two Northeast Ohio firms, Exscape Designs and Green Impressions. The platform was explicitly designed to acquire established, high-quality local operators to build a dominant regional player.

The landscaping industry, valued in the tens of thousands of businesses in Ohio alone, is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with countless small and medium-sized businesses. This structure, combined with recurring revenue from maintenance contracts, makes it an attractive target for private equity. Investors see an opportunity to professionalize operations, achieve economies of scale, and increase valuation through consolidation. Exscape's strategy is a textbook example of this model in action, as it systematically brings independent companies into its fold.

"Buckeye has long been a respected name in the Columbus market, and we're proud to welcome Matthew Esterer and the Buckeye team into Exscape Group," said Bill Dysert, CEO of Exscape Group, in a statement. He emphasized that the goal is to honor Buckeye's legacy while strengthening it with the resources and vision of the broader platform. "Together, we're creating something even stronger for our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve."

A Tale of Two Companies: Legacy Meets Growth

The partnership brings together two companies at different stages of their corporate evolution. Buckeye Landscape Service, founded in 1966, represents the kind of multi-generational, deeply rooted local business that has defined the industry for decades. As a third-generation company, its reputation was built on long-term relationships and a deep understanding of the Columbus commercial market, specializing in maintenance, construction, and snow removal.

In contrast, Exscape Group is a modern platform company, less than a year old in its current form but built upon the foundation of other established businesses. With over 250 employees and more than $40 million in revenue, its focus is on rapid growth and operational integration. The company's strategy hinges on preserving the local identity and leadership of the businesses it acquires while providing centralized support.

Matthew Esterer, Owner of Buckeye Landscape Service, framed the deal as a strategic evolution for his company. "Buckeye has built its reputation over many years by delivering dependable service and strong relationships throughout the Columbus area," Esterer stated. "Partnering with Exscape Group gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, invest in our people, and continue delivering the high level of service our customers have come to expect. We're excited about what this means for the future."

What the Partnership Means for Columbus

For customers of Buckeye Landscape Service, the message is one of continuity and enhancement. The press release assures clients that they can expect the same trusted service and local expertise, now backed by the added strength of a growing regional organization. This typically means access to a wider range of services, greater investment in equipment and technology, and more robust operational support.

For employees, Exscape Group promotes a "People-First Philosophy," aiming to retain local teams and leadership. Acquired companies gain access to Exscape's centralized back-office infrastructure, which includes IT, human resources, recruiting, accounting, and marketing. This allows local leaders to focus more on service delivery and growth, rather than administrative tasks. Owners of acquired firms are also often given equity rollover opportunities, allowing them to benefit from the long-term growth of the larger platform.

The move will undoubtedly intensify competition in the Columbus landscape market. Established commercial players like Five Seasons Landscape Management and other local firms will now face a larger, better-resourced competitor in Exscape Group, potentially leading to further consolidation or shifts in market share.

Beyond Mowing: The Professionalization of Landscaping

This partnership is emblematic of a broader transformation occurring within traditional service industries. The infusion of private equity capital is accelerating the professionalization of sectors like landscaping, plumbing, and HVAC. What were once predominantly small, family-run operations are increasingly being integrated into sophisticated regional or national platforms.

This shift involves more than just financial consolidation. It represents a move toward data-driven management, standardized best practices, and strategic brand development. By centralizing back-office functions and leveraging technology, these platforms aim to create efficiencies that are difficult for smaller, independent operators to achieve. The goal is to build a scalable business model that can deliver consistent quality across a wide geographic area.

As Exscape Group continues to stitch together a network of local leaders under a single regional banner, the partnership with Buckeye Landscape Service serves as a clear example of how private investment is fundamentally reshaping the business of landscaping, turning local craft into a scalable regional enterprise.