LRS Reaches Double-Digit Acquisitions, Expands Services in Northern Illinois, Arkansas

Rosemont, Ill.-based LRS has completed its 11th and 12th acquisitions of 2022.

The purchases of Molenhouse Enterprises and Bulldog Disposal expand the company's high-growth service areas in Illinois and Arkansas. 

Alan T. Handley, LRS president and CEO, commented that: "Both Molenhouse and Bulldog densify and expand our services across two critical LRS markets in the nation's midsection, and we look forward to seeing these important tuck-in acquisitions solidify our presence in northern Illinois and central Arkansas."

He added that the company plans to consolidate various lines of business while enhancing operational performance and providing "exceptional customer service." LRS has accelerated its acquisition strategy in the past two years. It added 22 waste diversion and recycling companies under its umbrella in 2021.

The acquisition of Little Rock, Ark.-based Bulldog Disposal adds to existing operation in the Arkansas River Valley and broadens it LRS South service area. Bulldog provides waste services to Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Sheridan, Jacksonville, Conway, Sherwood and Bryant.

“We'll continue to accelerate that density through acquisition in Arkansas," Handley told Waste360 following the acquisition of Lee's Trash Service in September. "We bought Orion and Ramco almost a year ago to the day. Since then, we've closed two or three small transactions in that market. Lee’s is probably the biggest one that we've done.

The CEO also noted at the time that LRS will "end up taking on a very large platform inside of our region, so that will be transformational.” 

The addition of Warrenville, Ill.-based Molenhouse Enterprise expands the LRS service area in its home region. Molenhouse has provided waste services in DuPage and Kane counties for more than 40 years. 

LRS acquired Molenhouse's commercial waste and recycling routes in January 2019, setting the company up for seamless integration.

"It means a lot to complete our final chapter with LRS as so many independent, family-owned waste and recycling providers have done across the Midwest," CEO Jim Molenhouse said. "We have been honored to serve our loyal customers over four decades and look forward to seeing the Molenhouse customer service legacy continue at LRS."

The financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, and the transactions were effective immediately.