Kiloutou acquires French renter

Kiloutou has completed the acquisition of France-based specialist rental company Bernard Location.

Photo: Bernard Location

According to Kiloutou, the acquisition of Bernard, which specialises in the rental of equipment for the construction, public works and industrial sectors, allows it to “complete its geographical coverage and continue its development in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.”

From its branch in Montréal-la-Cluse near Oyonnax, Bernard, has a fleet of nearly 350 machines, including earthmoving and lifting equipment.

The acquisition will see Kiloutou expand its network to 17 branches, as well as its fleet, which will now comprise of more than 2,000 earthmoving and lifting machines and 7,500 tools and light equipment.

Sébastien Vandecasteele, regional director, Kiloutou, said, “This operation allows Kiloutou to establish itself in the Oyonnax area and to integrate a new branch in a particularly dynamic region with a wealth of industry.

“It also allows us to benefit from Bernard Location’s excellent reputation and high level of expertise. I am very pleased to welcome the Bernard Location teammates who will be an essential driving force in the Kiloutou’s continued development in the region.

Bernard Laveau, owner and manager of Bernard Location, said, “I am pleased that Bernard Location is joining forces with Kiloutou. This project will enable our teams to continue to develop the agency by combining the strengths of a local rental company with those of a national brand, while continuing to provide our customers with excellent service. I am confident in the ability of the teams of both companies to make this merger a real success.

Kiloutou, which recently went live with a new e-commerce site for France, has continued to grow since HLD and Dentressangle acquired a majority steak in the company in 2018. Late last year the company acquired portable accommodation rental company Jamart Location Modulaire in France and Italian general renter Aerotecnica. It also expanded its footprint in both Denmark and Portugal.