Modern Disposal Services acquires Republic operations in western New York

Modern Disposal Services, Lewiston, New York, recently announced it has acquired the western New York operations of Phoenix-based Republic Services, the nation’s second-largest waste-disposal company.

The transaction, for which terms were not announced, is expected to close in approximately three months.

Modern’s acquisition includes Republic’s local headquarters and all its hauling and recycling operations in New York’s Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties. This acquisition includes all trucks; maintenance facilities; and equipment, containers, sorting machines and buildings.

The transaction does not include a pair of landfills in Niagara or Depew, New York, for which Republic retains ownership, Modern Disposal says.

Republic has about 2,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers and nearly 100 employees in the region. Many of those employees will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at Modern as it expands to handle a larger customer base, the company says.

“This is a good-news story for Modern’s growth, but it’s also a substantial benefit for the whole western New York region,” Modern CEO Michael McInerney says. “While competition remains strong in the region among dozens of other collectors, this combination means increased local ownership, on-site management, job retention and economic growth here.”

Modern currently has more than 600 employees in western New York and southern Ontario, Canada, along with some 350 trucks in the region.

In all, the company has more than 10,000 commercial customers and 250,000 residential customers.

Modern says its plans are to integrate Republic’s customers into its current operations, and that Modern officials will begin contacting Republic customers to assure them of uninterrupted service by Republic until the deal closes.

“My message to our employees, and to all Modern and Republic customers, is that there will be seamless continuity, continued commitment to safety and dedication to continue as an employer of choice in the industry,” McInerney says. “For now, we want people to know that in the face of unsettled news around the globe, they can count on Modern as a growing, local company with our region’s best interests in mind.”