CES Power creates film studio division

CES Power, the US-based events rentals specialist, has acquired Base Craft, a Kansas City-based supplier of specialized equipment to the film and TV industry. The price was not disclosed.

At the same time, CES has created a new division, CES Studio Services, to focus on “bundled solutions for film, television and the broadcast industry.”  Base Craft’s management team—Jeffrey Gowing, Hunter Andrews, Welch Lambeth and Aaron Pigg—will join the division.

Photo: CES Power

Base Craft’s product range includes production trailers, trucks, basecamp units, power generation, battery storage, HVAC equipment, and solar-powered trailers dedicated to hair, makeup, wardrobe, camera, and sound operations.

The deal is CES’s 13th acquisition since being purchased by private equity firm Allied Industrial Partners in June 2021. CES said it would continue to seek acquisitions.

“We are excited to welcome Jeff, Hunter, Welch, Aaron, and the entire Base Craft team as we aim to become the provider of choice for the television and motion picture industry in North America,” said Greg Landa, CEO of CES.

“Our scale, footprint, team, industry experience and breadth of quality equipment distinguishes CES Studio Services in a fragmented market. CES Studio Services, backed by the full capabilities of the CES organization worldwide, is now the one-stop shop for all essential services, regardless of the scope and scale of the production.”

“We are pleased to become part of the CES family and look forward to future growth opportunities,” said Jeffrey Gowing. “CES’s experience and resources will add to our product line and strengthen our ability to service both new and existing partners and clients.”

Speaking for Allied Industrial, co-founders and managing partners Bradford Rossi and Philip Wright, said; “The acquisition of Base Craft and the creation of CES Studio Services are significant milestones in the CES strategic growth story.

“The film industry is a natural fit with CES’s live entertainment business, and we believe this new division is ripe for growth. Base Craft provides additional competencies and vital locations that will help CES further expand its footprint and achieve its goal of becoming a leading player in its industry.”

CES Power was founded in 2000 and is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and has operations in both North America and Europe. It was formerly branded Cat Entertainment Services.

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