Hertz buys rental company in Hawaii

Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC) has acquired one of Hawaii's biggest rental companies, Western Machinery. Western was founded in 1985 and operates on three Hawaiian islands; Oahu, Hawaii and Maui.

"We're excited to have acquired Western Machinery as this marks Hertz Equipment Rental's first foray into the Hawaiian market," said Mark Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer, Hertz Corp.

"The Hawaiian construction market is estimated to be a $3.4 billion market. By acquiring Western Machinery, Hertz will be able to introduce new product lines, including aerial, pump, power and general rental while tapping into opportunities in the industrial and entertainment services sector."

Western, which is headquartered in Kapolei, Oahu, has a mainly commercial customer base and also offers material handling and earthmoving equipment to industrial and government sectors. It is also an equipment dealer for Gradall, JLG, Bobcat, Liebherr, Linkbelt and Allied Hammers.

Hertz did not give the purchase price or the size of the Western business.

The acquisition is the fourth made by HERC in the last 18 months. It acquired a Canadian industrial rentals company in July 2009; a Californian entertainment rental company in July this year; and then a power rental company in Italy in August.