Atlas Copco International B.V. last week announced it has divested ABIRD Holding B.V., a part of Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s rental business in the Netherlands. The sale is in line with the Specialty Rental division’s strategy to focus on compressed oil-free air applications.

The divested business, which includes the ABIRD brand name, has annual revenues of about SEK 94 million (about US $14.4 million) and relates to rental of equipment including welding tools and lighting. The buyer is Wichard Oorschot, general manager of ABIRD, through the investment company DRIBA Holding B.V.

“This divestment will help us focus on our core business and better serve our rental customers in the Netherlands,” said Ronnie Leten, president of Atlas Copco’s business area Compressor Technique. “We also believe that the divested part is in the right hands to grow.”

Atlas Copco’s specialty rental business in the Netherlands will operate under the name Atlas Copco ABIRD for the next 18 months.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Atlas Copco is an international provider of industrial productivity solutions. The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental. Atlas Copco owned Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Rental Service Corp. from 1999 through late 2005, and still retains about a 15 percent ownership stake in RSC.

Specialty Rental is a division within Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. It serves customers in the industry segments around the world with temporary air and power rental solutions. The specialty rental services are offered under several brands. The divisional headquarters is located in Antwerp, Belgium.