PITTSBURGH - After a year of rapid expansion, Anthony Crane Rental, the nation's largest crane rental company, has been renamed Maxim Crane Works. The company, based here, has acquired eight companies since Boston-based investment group Bain Capital bought controlling interest in 1998.

"Our new name will unify our growing branch network," said Maxim CEO Jeffrey Fenton, who joined the company from GE Capital last October.

Maxim had total 1999 revenue of almost $300 million, and its aerial lift rental business, estimated at about $39 million, puts its at No. 25 on this year's RER 100. The company operates 46 locations and has more than 2,000 employees.