Sunbelt Rentals recently acquired the business and assets of Ventura Rental Center, an equipment rental company in Ventura, Calif., about 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Established in 1958, VRC has been serving the greater Los Angeles rental market with a broad general tool offering with an emphasis on high-ROI small tools and heavy dirt equipment for 56 years.
With two locations in Ventura, VRC began by catering to homeowners and small- to mid-sized contractors. In recent years the company has worked with heavy contractors and the energy production sector.
Sunbelt is in the process of integrating new fleet into VRC’s two locations to support a broader business and consumer customer base. The acquired locations offer a complementary customer base and fleet offering to Sunbelt’s existing business in the market.
“Ventura Rental Center is an ideal fit into our strategy of acquiring quality, well-run businesses that provide us with a solid foundation for growth in their respective markets,” said Kurt Kenkel, executive vice president of business development for Sunbelt. “This acquisition allows Sunbelt to expand our presence in the greater Los Angeles market.”
“Many independent mid-sized businesses like ours are currently enjoying great successes with solid and growing opportunities,” said Ted Cook, VRC’s owner and former president of the American Rental Association president. “However, we are also under significant pressures. Joining forces with a rapidly growing equipment rental company represents a great opportunity for the future of Ventura Rental and provides a more comprehensive equipment offering and service network to VRC’s valued customers. The whole team looks forward to gaining access to additional equipment and to thriving in the entrepreneurial environment that Sunbelt presents to each store and each team member.”
The Ventura Rental Party Center will continue on under the direction of Heidi and Mike Whitcomb.
Cook will remain with the company through a transition period. His son Perry will be profit center manager for the two VRC locations.
Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Sunbelt Rentals is No. 2 on the RER 100.
