Loxam acquires in northern France

The Loxam Group has acquired northern-France sister rental businesses Sofranel and Société Cominoise de Location (SCL) from current owners, members of the Beyens family; Loxam said the move strengthens its position in the North of France. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. 

Sofranel and SCL operate two branches located in the heart of the metropolitan area of the city of Lille and have about 70 employees.

Loxam Group’s acquisition of rental businesses Sofranel and Société Cominoise de Location will strengthen its position in the rental market in the north of France.

Established respectively in 1977 and 2000, Sofranel and SCL are described as “major players” in equipment rental in the Hauts-de-France region.

The companies specialise in public works equipment and have also more recently added modular spaces, power generation, landscaping, as well as equipment rental with operators.

Olivier Grisez, Managing Director of Loxam Rental France, said: “We are very excited to welcome Sofranel and SCL into the Loxam Group. The geographical footprint, the skills of the teams and the quality of the rental fleet of both companies are a very good fit to our activities.”

Gérard Déprez, President of Loxam, said; “The acquisition of Sofranel and SCL demonstrates Loxam’s commitment to further strengthen its leadership position in its domestic market, to serve its customers through a dense and unique network of branches, and to expand its service offering through the integration of new skills.” 

A statement from the Beyens family said the transaction “enables our teams to join an international group with an entrepreneurial DNA. The recognition of our know-how and of our specificities, is a great satisfaction for the family.”

Loxam has made a number of acquisitions, including strategic deals in Spain, in recent months.