Blue Sage Capital backs janitorial services firm Clean Team in founder partnership

The private equity firm Blue Sage Capital has finalized an investment in Clean Team, a company specializing in commercial janitorial and facilities-cleaning services. This transaction involves a partnership structure, with Clean Team's founder and CEO, Bob Armbruster, maintaining a majority ownership stake in the company and continuing in his leadership role. The financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. This strategic investment aims to provide Clean Team with growth capital and an institutional partner. This support is intended to facilitate the company's ongoing organic growth initiatives and its strategy for future acquisitions. Clean Team, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, has developed a significant operational footprint since its establishment in 1996. The company currently manages 18 branches, extending its services across 13 states. Clean Team caters to a diverse client base, including commercial, healthcare, industrial, and education sectors. The firm employs a direct-employed workforce model for its operations. This approach contrasts with some industry models that rely heavily on subcontracted labor. The company has a history of growth through integration, having completed 13 add-on acquisitions to date. Jonathan Kaskow, a partner at Blue Sage Capital, indicated that the firm intends to support Clean Team's continued expansion within its current operational markets and to facilitate targeted entries into new geographical regions. The transaction received debt financing from Capital One and Fifth Third. This investment signals continued private equity interest in the business services sector, particularly in facility management and cleaning services. The focus on supporting both organic growth and an active acquisition strategy for Clean Team suggests a belief in sector consolidation and the scalability of these services. Furthermore, the partnership model, where the founder retains majority ownership, highlights a trend of private equity firms providing capital and strategic support while maintaining management continuity and founder commitment.