ASHEVILLE, N.C. — William Ellis Partners acquired the Volvo Construction Equipment Rents franchise in Langhorne, Pa., through the asset purchase of Ballantine Industrial Truck Service, the original Volvo Rents franchisee in Langhorne.

Ballantine Industrial Truck Service opened the equipment rental center in late 2003 to serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The William Ellis company, also based in Langhorne, is continuing the operation of the Volvo Rents franchise at its original location.

The acquisition of the franchise in Langhorne has given William Ellis Partners the rights to two other Volvo Rents franchise territories in Pennsylvania, covering six counties. The company's plan is to have five Volvo equipment rental centers in operation within the next five years.

“In a capital-intensive industry, Volvo Rents has a complete franchise package: This includes a powerful brand name, strong customer base, purchasing power and an unparalleled financing program,” said William Ellis, managing partner.

Volvo Rents also announced the opening of a new Volvo Rents equipment rental franchise in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

CASCO Rentals, LLC, owned by franchise principal, Enrique Irizarry, Jr., opened its first Volvo Rents center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The new equipment rental center is the first of several the company plans to open in its Volvo Rents Development Area for Florida's East and West Coasts and in Puerto Rico.

The new Volvo Rents center, an independently owned and operated franchise, will carry, in addition to Volvo construction equipment, a comprehensive line of essential equipment and tools for the construction, commercial, industrial and homeowner markets.

Asheville, N.C.-based Volvo Rents, No. 16 on the RER 100, has rental centers open in 25 U.S. states and Canada. In addition, the company has franchise agreements under negotiation with other business interests seeking independently owned and operated franchise opportunities in the equipment rental business. The company is also expanding its operations in Europe with rental centers now open in Portugal, Spain and Italy.