Australian crane rental giant Boom Logistics received an unsolicited merger proposal from the Harbrew Group, which is already a major shareholder in Boom through various associated entities. Harbrew is the largest shareholder in Boom with an aggregate holding of 12.2 percent.

Boom Logistics officials said the proposal is incomplete and preliminary in nature. The officials said the proposal “offers the prospect of an alternative approach to balance sheet strengthening and business development, as well as creating a substantially larger enterprise.”

Boom said it would take “several months” to analyze the offer along with other strategic opportunities. The company said a planned campaign to raise $80 million in equity will be put “on hold” while it considers the Harbrew proposal.

Based in Southbank, Victoria, Boom Logistics has about 50 locations in Australia. Its earnings for the 2009 financial year have remained unchanged since early May, with operating net-profit-after-tax forecast to be about AU$12 million (about U.S. $9.7 million), with earnings before interest, tax and amortization of about AU$70 million (about U.S. $56.4 million).