Merit Service Solutions acquired SunTerra Landscape Services. Terms were not disclosed.

As the transition occurs, the current management at SunTerra, with the exception of outgoing President Chris Carmouche, will remain in place, expanding as needed to accommodate new clientele.

A privately owned company headquartered in Austin, Texas, SunTerra delivers landscape maintenance services to more than 400 commercial properties throughout the state. COO Judy McNew said the firm, which comprises 200 to 300 employees in its peak months, is on track to do $14 million in annual revenue this year.

“This combination will truly benefit our current and future clients, giving them access to the depth and breadth of Merit’s landscape expertise, the proprietary ‘i-Merit’ powered by Oracle operating platform and significant financial resources,” McNew said.

Vince Willis, chairman of Merit, hit on some of the resources now available to SunTerra.

“By joining Merit, SunTerra now has access to our extensive resources and proprietary i-Merit operating platform that will enhance visibility of service and drive efficiency for SunTerra’s customers,” he said. “The driving factor in making this acquisition was the passion of the existing SunTerra team; keeping their outstanding management intact will assure a seamless continuity of business.”

While SunTerra decided it would be sold nearly a year ago, the company didn’t meet with Merit until three or four months ago, McNew said.

“Right after we met with them, we wanted it to happen,” she said. “Merit has the same values (of) employees, customers and communication with customers.”

As of now, SunTerra remains as its own brand, but McNew said it eventually will rebrand as it expands nationally—something it’s banking on to happen thanks to the acquisition.

“The goal is in five years to hopefully hit $40 million,” McNew said. “With the Merit situation, (its) national accounts and our reputation in Texas, I think that is doable. We now have the resources to do it.”

Updated: 4/10/14