H&E Equipment Services has signed a definitive agreement to acquire One Source Equipment Rentals, a provider of non-residential construction and industrial equipment with operations in the Midwest and Southern USA. 

One Source, which is employee-owned, operates 10 branches, including three locations in each of Illinois and Indiana, two locations in Tennessee, and one in each of Kentucky and Alabama. 

H&E is expected to pay USD130 million in cash for One Source, before customary adjustments. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2022, following regulatory clearance and the completion of other customary closing conditions.

Brad Barber, chief executive officer of H&E Equipment Services, notes the strategic rationale for the transaction: “For more than 20 years, One Source has emphasised a culture where equipment reliability and customer support and satisfaction are vital features for success, resulting in an equipment rental operation with strong consumer loyalty throughout its branch network. These important attributes, which are underscored by a dedicated base of employee owners, offer an exceptional cultural fit with H&E. 

“Also, the transaction will expand our geographic footprint into the Midwest with operations in Illinois and Indiana, as well as operations in Kentucky. Finally, the demonstrated success of our accelerated warm start plan, with 15 warm start and greenfield locations established since early 2021, will prove beneficial as we evaluate post-integration growth opportunities in the Midwest and other surrounding regions with attractive prospects for expansion.”

The acquisition will expand H&E’s equipment rental operations to 117 branch locations in 28 states.