Gardena, California – The Aust Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of our client, American City Pest & Termite “American City”, to Tyro Group. The transactions marks Tyro Group’s second acquisition in the United States.
Founded in 1979 by Jim and Celia Shockey, American City is a Los Angeles County, California-based pest and termite control company that has remained family-owned and operated for more than four decades. The business was later led by second-generation owner Cindy Ziemke, who, alongside Greg Bausch and Andrea Moreno, grew American City into one of the region’s leading privately held pest control providers with a team of more than 30 employees. The Company has built a highly recognizable brand throughout Los Angeles County, with its signature “Live Pest Free” billboards prominently displayed across the market. American City is also an active member of the National Pest Management Association and the California Pest Management Association.
Cindy Ziemke, Owner of American City, said, “For 45 years, American City has been part of my family’s identity and part of the community we’ve served across Southern California. Because of that history, deciding to sell wasn’t just a business choice, it was a deeply personal one. I wasn’t just thinking about myself; I was thinking about my parents’ legacy and the employees who helped build this company into what it is today. They are the heartbeat of American City. That’s why choosing the right advisors mattered so much. And The Aust Group didn’t just meet my expectations; they exceeded them in every possible way. The Aust Group brought me a buyer who exceeded every expectation — not only in value, but in alignment with the future I wanted for my employees. If you’re considering selling your business, I can say without hesitation that The Aust Group will honor your legacy, advocate for your people, and guide you with integrity, heart, and unmatched expertise every step of the way.”
Stuart Aust, Principal of The Aust Group said, “On behalf of everyone at The Aust Group, we are proud to announce the acquisition of American City by Tyro Group. Over the past nearly five decades, Cindy and her family have built an exceptional business and an enduring legacy, and it has been a true privilege to represent them through this important milestone. We are incredibly grateful for the trust Cindy and her family placed in us throughout the process and for the lasting friendships that were formed along the way. We congratulate both American City and Tyro Group and look forward to seeing the continued growth and success this partnership will create in the years ahead.”
The Aust Group represented American City on the transaction as the exclusive financial advisor. The transaction closed on May 29th, 2026, and the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
