Boels buys HuurMax in the Netherlands

Boels Verhuur has acquired the HuurMax rental division of Netherlands builders merchant and DIY store owner RAB Beheer.

HuurMax, which until 2009 was the HSS franchise holder in the Netherlands, has 14 depots clustered around the Amsterdam and Rotterdam areas and is a well established tool hire business in the country.

Boels will continue to run the business under the HuurMax name and said it intends to grow the network independently of the Boels operation.

This is the second time that Boels has acquired an HSS-related rental business - in 2004 it acquired HSS's German subsidiary, located mainly in the Berlin area.

Some of the acquired branches are HuurMax franchises, and RAB Beheer will remain involved as the franchise holder in several locations.

Pierre Boels, director of Boels Verhuur, said: "We are very happy with the takeover of this company that has a great customer base. Because of the takeover we are welcoming a large group of experienced employees as well as a new network that includes a number of powerful franchisees.

"The range for customers of HuurMax will be renewed and broadened. Our aim is to have this network of branches grow independently. After this expansion, the Boels Group will have 109 branches in the Netherlands."

Paul Krugers, the managing director of RAB Beheer, said; "After the professionalization of HuurMax that has taken place in the past few years, we are pleased that a competent and specialised rental company such as Boels will be completing this...process and will lead HuurMax to the next growth stage.

"This is also beneficial to us, because we will remain involved in HuurMax as franchisee."

Boels Verhuur has 213 branches and more than 1700 employees. Boels Verhuur operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.

RAB Berheer's activities include 11 BouwCenters builders merchants stores, numerous Gamma and Karwei DIY stores, and a petrol distribution and petrol station business.