Hertz buys Chicago power rental company

Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC) has acquired Forces, Inc., a US$6 million revenue power rental company based close to Chicago, US.

Forces was founded 40 years ago in Naperville, Illinois - where it is still headquartered - and supplies power and temperature control equipment to customers in Chicago and the upper Midwest. Its rental fleet includes generators from 10 to 1500 kW and temperature control products in heat and air conditioning.

"The Forces acquisition is strategically important for Hertz Equipment Rental as it will enable us to fortify our positioning in the Metro-Chicago area," said Hertz chairman and chief executive officer, Mark Frissora.

"The construction and industrial market in Chicago is estimated to be a $17.5 billion market. By acquiring Forces, HERC will be able to expand its energy services business, with an anticipated $6 million in new revenues for 2011, while further strengthening our long term strategy to diversify our business in the industrial sector."

Forces will be added to HERC's energy services business.

"HERC is excited to have acquired Forces as it is one of the leading power generation companies in the Chicago area," said HERC president, Gerry Plescia.

"Forces is a strong brand and brings to the table a tenured and experienced staff. With their technological and engineering experience, we envision tapping into the Forces staff to enhance our generator capabilities throughout the country."

It is the fifth acquisition by HERC in the last seven months. In July last year it acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment; in August it bought Italian power rental company Rent One; in November it added Western Machinery in Hawaii; and in December is acquired 24/7 Studio Equipment.