Roto-Rooter Services Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation ("Chemed") (NYSE:CHE) announced it has acquired the largest independent Roto-Rooter franchise, serving a population of approximately 11 million people, for $60.6 million. Prior to the acquisition, this franchise had annual revenue of between $50.0 and $55.0 million. The territories acquired include Northern San Diego, Palm Springs, Ventura, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Fresno, Monterey, Stockton, Modesto, Manteca and Sacramento, California.  

Listed on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chemed Corporation (www.chemed.com) operates two wholly owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter. VITAS is the nation's largest provider of end-of-life hospice care and Roto-Rooter is the nation’s leading provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services.