Friday roundup: United Rentals-H&E deal | Bowers’ return | New fleet management app

The most significant announcement in the second week of January 2025 is undoubtedly United Rentals’ offer to acquire H&E Equipment Services in a deal worth $4.8 billion, including $1.4 billion in net debt.

If finalised, the transaction will create a rental giant with combined 2023 revenues of $15.7 billion. It includes a 35-day “go-shop” period for alternative offers. United Rentals will gain 160 branches, 2,765 employees, and a $2.9 billion fleet.

Photo: United Rentals

This acquisition aligns with United’s “grow the core” strategy, expanding its specialty rental services and market reach. The merger is expected to enhance synergies, saving $130 million annually within two years and generating $120 million in additional revenues by year three through cross-selling.

Are United Rentals and H&E a good match? How will this deal reshape the competitive landscape of North America’s rental market? What advantages will United Rentals gain from H&E’s younger fleet and strategic depot locations?

Lewis Tyler, editor of IRN, provides a complete analysis of the deal and explains its market implications.

Bowers is back

In the UK, Bowers & Bowers Holdings, owned by access industry veterans Malcolm Bowers and his son Ben Bowers, acquired Humberside Lifting Services (HLS), marking the company’s return to the industry after selling Lifterz to Speedy Hire in 2019.

Founded in 2010 by Malcolm Armstrong, HLS specialises in sales, hiring, testing, and repairing lifting equipment and manufacturing bespoke lifting straps.

Malcolm Bowers, who founded Access Rental Ltd and AFI and retired in 2020, will provide expertise in key areas. Ben Bowers plans to enhance customer service and expand HLS’s product offerings.

Stay tuned to see how the Bowers will bring new ideas and products to the UK rental market.

Separately, Western Global, a UK-based portable storage and handling tank supplier, promoted Jeff Lowe to president of its North American division. Since joining in 2021, Lowe has contributed to the company’s rapid growth, holding roles such as vice president of product marketing.

Lowe will lead the group’s largest and fastest-growing market, focusing on expanding the adoption of Western Global’s industry-leading portable storage and fuel distribution products. CEO Clem Connor praised Lowe’s leadership, emphasising his role in driving growth across infrastructure projects nationwide.

New fleet management app

Renta Group has partnered with Hilti to introduce Easy+, an advanced fleet management and tool-tracking app.

Built on Hilti’s BLE Runtime Tags, ON!Track Unite, and Trackunit technologies, Easy+ enhances Renta’s existing Easy app, offering detailed equipment usage insights. Features include inactivity alerts, battery level monitoring, and real-time location tracking.

Hilti Runtime Tags store operational data and transmit it via Gateways, telematic boxes, or smartphones. This data integrates with Renta’s ERP system for improved asset management.

Herc-Volvo partnership

Volvo Construction Equipment and Herc Rentals have finalised a multi-year deal to deliver hundreds of Volvo EC37 compact excavators to Herc’s 439 branches across the US and Canada. The first phase of the order is complete, with more units slated for delivery in 2025.

The companies collaborated to refine the excavator’s design, prioritising rental customer needs. Enhancements include easier attachment changes, ergonomic operator features, and factory-installed telematics for real-time machine management.

Meanwhile, the German rental cooperative System Lift will sever ties with two member firms now majority-owned by private equity, citing risks to its owner-managed principles. The separation will be finalised by December 2025.

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