The Johnson Service Group's origins can be traced back to 1780. Our traditional textile-related businesses grew through the progressive amalgamation of a number of regional companies including Pullars, Zernys, Bollom, Crockatts, Smiths, Kneels, Harris Clean, Hartonclean and Johnsons. We entered the market for hospitality services through the acquisition of Stalbridge Linen Services in 1995, and achieved UK market leadership in textile rental through the acquisition of the Semara Group in 2000.
Following a strategic review in 2002, we disposed of a number of underperforming and non-core businesses, including our Irish textile rental businesses and Washroom Services.
At the same time we have increased our exposure to growing markets by establishing in October 2003, with the acquisition of Workplace Management, a new division which has a unique business model addressing the rapidly growing market for facilities management.
We have also strengthened our representation in drycleaning in Southern England under the Johnsons brand, and through the acquisition of the prestigious Jeeves business in central London, together with its overseas franchising operation. We also acquired the Sketchley retail drycleaning business in May 2004.
In July 2004 we further strengthened our corporatewear offering with the acquisition of Dimensions, the UK's leading corporatewear supplier.
At the beginning of 2005 we acquired the DCC Corporatewear business, focusing on the financial services and leisure sectors. In October 2005 we bought SGP Property Services, providing white-collar facilities management to the financial services and leisure sectors. Both businesses extended our service offerings and ideally complemented our established strengths in corporatewear for retailers and facilities management for the commercial office market.