Sunbelt acquires Ventura Rental Center

US rental company Sunbelt has acquired Ventura Rental Center, an equipment rental company based in Ventura, California, US.

Sunbelt – which is the US subsidiary of UK-headquartered rental giant Ashtead – said Ventura’s focus was on high return-on-investment small tool and heavy dirt equipment, and in recent years had become a market leader with heavy energy production contractors.

Ventura operates out of two locations which Sunbelt said offered a complementary customer base and fleet to its existing business in the market. It said it was in the process of integrating new fleet into these locations

Kurt Kenkel, Sunbelt executive vice president of business development, said, “Ventura Rental Center is an ideal fit into our strategy of acquiring quality, well-run businesses that provide us with a solid foundation for growth in their respective markets. This acquisition allows Sunbelt to expand our presence in the greater Los Angeles market.”

And Ventura owner and former president of the American Rental Association Ted Cook said, “Many independent mid-sized businesses like ours are currently enjoying great successes with solid and growing opportunities. However, we are also under significant pressures.

“Joining forces with a rapidly growing equipment rental company represents a great opportunity for the future of Ventura Rental and provides a more comprehensive equipment offering and service network to VRC’s valued customers.

“The whole team looks forward to gaining access to additional equipment and to thriving in the entrepreneurial environment that Sunbelt presents to each store and each team member.”

Sunbelt said Ventura’s business would continue under the direction of Heidi and Mike Whitcomb.

This is the latest in a string of bolt-on acquisitions by Sunbelt. In September, for instance, the company acquired the equipment rental division and employees of ECM Energy Services, a company focussed on natural gas and oil field equipment rentals, water logistics and pilot car services.