Cooper Equipment Rentals Expands National Reach, Acquires Rent All Centre, Skyhigh Platforms, and Big Stick Rentals
Cooper Equipment Rentals Limited is making bold moves to solidify its position as Canada’s leading independent equipment rental company with the acquisitions of Rent All Centre and Skyhigh Platforms in Ontario and Big Stick Rentals in Alberta. These strategic additions extend Cooper’s reach in both Eastern and Western Canada, reinforcing its commitment to service, strong regional partnerships, and a customer-first approach.
Expanding in Eastern Ontario with Rent All Centre and Skyhigh Platforms
Founded in 1973, Rent All Centre (RAC) and Skyhigh Platforms have served contractors and businesses with top-tier general rental and aerial equipment. Their full-service rental locations in Ontario are located in Cobourg, Port Hope, Peterborough (two branches), Belleville, and Trenton, along with Skyhigh’s aerial specialty location in Whitby, Ontario, will now operate under the Cooper banner.
“It is with great pride that we have now joined another Canadian owned company, to continue the path we’ve been walking. The Cooper family will continually improve on our already excellent service and reputation,” said Brian Wheatley, president.
This acquisition enhances Cooper’s service footprint in Peterborough and the 401 corridor, complementing its existing network in Toronto, Oshawa, Kingston, and Ottawa. The integration of RAC and Skyhigh will create equipment sharing and expanded resources, increasing efficiency and availability for customers.
Strengthening Western Canada with Big Stick Rentals
With a modern fleet and a prime location in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Big Stick Rentals has built a reputation for reliability and service excellence since its founding in 2013. Under the leadership of Kevin Bjornson, the company has become a key player in Northern Alberta’s rental market.
“I never expected to find a large partner who shared the same core values and culture as our little company,” said Bjornson. “As I learned more about Cooper, it became evident that the small family who made large contributions to Big Stick Rentals’ success would be well taken care of in the Cooper family.”
Big Stick’s strategic location in Grande Prairie strengthens Cooper’s coverage in Western Canada, enabling broader geographic reach, equipment availability, and service flexibility across Alberta and beyond.
Cooper’s Vision: A stronger, nationally positioned rental company
For Doug Dougherty, CEO of Cooper, these acquisitions represent more than geographic expansion – they reinforce Cooper’s commitment to being Canada’s only truly national, independent rental company.
“At Cooper, we don’t just grow for the sake of growth – we expand with purpose,” said Dougherty. “Bringing these respected businesses into the Cooper family means we’re strengthening our service, growing our footprint, and staying true to what matters most: delivering the best rental experience in the industry.”
Brian Spilak, chief operating officer of Cooper, highlighted the operational advantages of the expansion:
"For our customers, these acquisitions mean more access to the equipment they need, where and when they need it,” Spilak said. “By expanding our network, we’re not just adding locations - we’re investing in better service, faster response times, and deeper local expertise. Whether it’s a small contractor or a major project, we’re ensuring they have the right equipment and support to keep their jobs moving forward."
Cooper Equipment Rentals, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is No. 16 on the RER 100.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.