Ecolab To Spend $40 Million For Swisher Hygiene’s U.S. Operations

Ecolab Inc. will acquire the U.S. operations of Swisher Hygiene for approximately $40 million in cash.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Swisher Hygiene offers a range of products and services for the institutional foodservice industry, including warewashing and foodservice cleaning and sanitizing products and services. Operations included in the purchase agreement generate $176 million in annual sales and have 1,000 employees and 30,000 customers.

Ecolab generates about $14 billion a year in revenue from sanitizing chemicals and services provided to restaurants, hotels, food factories, hospitals, schools and oil and gas firms. CEO Doug Baker said the deal will expand Ecolab’s institutional customer base and service coverage. “The addition of Swisher Hygiene’s U.S. portfolio of independent restaurants complements Ecolab’s presence in national restaurant chains.”