Lavendon Group, U.K.’s leading aerial rental company, last week said its volume rose 48 percent in the first five months of 2007 over the same period last year, based on organic growth and recent acquisitions. Lavendon’s interim results for the first six months of the year through June 30 will reveal a pre-tax profit higher than analysts’ expectations, company officials said.

In the United Kingdom, volume is 26-percent higher with improved margins. The company’s recent acquisitions of Wizard Workspace and Rise Hire will contribute to the company's performance in the second half of 2007.

In Germany, volume rose 134 percent, primarily as a result of its acquisition of Gardemann, a large German rental firm. Company officials said the German operation is now profitable. Volume has declined in France, however.

Revenues in Spain have jumped 33 percent, with a corresponding improvement in operating margins, Lavendon executives said. Growth in the Middle East continues strong as well in rental and sales of equipment, with an 83-percent revenue hump in the first half of 2007.