RFE backed Friendly Group Acquires Home Services Company Western Heating & Air Transaction Marks Growth Potential to Serve More Utah HVAC Customers
RFE Investment Partners is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Friendly Group, a home services company, recently announced its acquisition of Western Heating & Air, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company with branches in both Orem and Lehi, Utah. The addition of Western Heating & Air makes this Friendly Group’s third home services company in Utah.
As part of Friendly Group, Western will be positioned to accelerate and extend its mission to serve its community with exceptional home comfort service. Western Heating & Air will continue to operate under the Western brand, driving forward with a steady focus on its mission, customers, and community. Owner Ryan Snow will continue at the helm of the operations in partnership with Friendly Group.
“I am thrilled to welcome Ryan Snow, his leadership team, and the entire Western family to the Friendly Group. The Red Handkerchief Promise is so much more than a tag line—it’s a symbol of a culture that runs deep in every man and woman who wears that logo,” said Joe Bergman, CEO, Friendly Group. “We are excited to add this third strong brand to our Northern Utah region and about the growth opportunities we have together, to build on an already-strong legacy. On behalf of our entire team, welcome to the pack!”
About Western Heating & Air
Western Heating & Air is a home services HVAC company serving the Orem and Lehi, Utah, areas. Their primary services extend from heating and cooling to indoor air quality to solar panels. Western’s team is the proud recipient of the Best of Utah Valley Award for five years in a row. For more information, please visit www.westernheatingair.com
About Friendly Group
Friendly Group is a Home Services Company focused on building a network of like-minded companies in the home services industry that share the vision and values that, at their core, focus on their employees. Friendly Group is a Texas-based firm that was established in 2020 with a best-in-class management team, board of directors, and advisors, all working together to execute on a strategy that is distinctly different because it’s Friendly. Friendly Group’s strategy is to provide mentorship, direction, resources, and the capital required to take companies’ strategic initiatives to the level. Friendly Group is continuing to expand their presence across the US, building a network of leading HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical home services companies. For more in formation, please visit www.friendlygroup.com
About RFE
RFE Investment Partners is a private equity firm focused on making control investments in established small market companies located in the United States. RFE is a long-standing Connecticut-based firm founded in 1980 with over 40 years of experience investing in the lower middle market. RFE’s investment strategy is to transform its portfolio companies from the lower end of the market to fully professionalized and market leading middle market companies. RFE is currently investing out of Fund IX. For more information, please visit www.rfeip.com