TNT Crane & Rigging, a privately held full-service crane and rigging operator based in Houston, made major acquisitions this week in Louisiana and Texas.
In Louisiana, TNT has merged its Louisiana operations with RTL, one of South Louisiana’s leading crane companies. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
RTL, based in Norco, La., gives TNT an opportunity to expand its geographic base, concentrating on industrial clients.
“The combination with RTL is an excellent strategic fit for TNT and continues our growth plans,” said TNT president and CEO Mike Appling Jr. “RTL has long-term customer relationships that combined with the large crane fleet of TNT will provide additional growth opportunities and enhanced service for our customers. We are in a unique position of covering the Gulf Coast industrial base from New Orleans to Corpus Christi and beyond. This expands our ability to work with many of our legacy customers on an enhanced multi-plant basis. The opportunity to combine with RTL and deliver the consistency of safety and operations of our companies across our entire branch network is very exciting and a great value proposition.”
“This merger positions our group as one of the leading crane rental service companies in South Louisiana,” said RTL CEO Pat Tesson. “It will give RTL employees enhanced opportunities and furnish TNT with a base to further geographical expansion. By combining these seasoned businesses we will now be in position to offer a broader spectrum of lifting and rigging services to clientele in the region.”
Two days later, TNT announced the purchase of the South Texas crane assets of Louisiana Crane Co. TNT acquired 35 cranes and ancillary assets from Louisiana Crane’s San Antonio and Houston branches.
TNT now has more than 150 cranes in the region, with full-service capabilities ranging from boom trucks up to 800 tons and a complete portfolio of rigging capabilities, as TNT grows its presence in both states. The transaction also stretches the reach of TNT into the western portion of the Eagle Ford shale play.
“The acquisition of these Texas crane assets is a big step up for TNT in the crane industry,” added Appling. “It puts TNT in a much better competitive position in the San Antonio marketplace. We need the additional assets in Houston and will be able to redeploy some of the cranes to other branches to service their needs.”
