US deal for Rentokil

Rentokil Initial is taking the fight to the rats and other vermin of the US by acquiring a pest control company on its west coast for more than $100m (£61m).

The business services specialist is to acquire Western Exterminator Company for an initial $99.6m to make it the third-largest pest control company in the US, from its current position of fifth.

Rentokil, which also provides workwear and parcel courier services, will pay a further $15m for Western in 18 months. North America is the world's biggest pest control market, accounting for half of total global revenues of £9bn.