12.12.2019

Ashtead/Sunbelt Canada acquired Whites

Ashtead-owned Sunbelt Rentals of Canada has acquired William F White International, Canada’s largest provider of rental equipment to the film, television, and digital media industries.

Whites was established in 1963 and was owned by Comweb. It operates from 13 locations across Canada with more than 450 employees. White chief executive, Paul Bronfman, will remain on board through April in order to help with the transition and becomes co-chairman of the Whites operating division executive board, along with Ashtead chief executive Brendan Horgan, focusing on the strategic growth of the business.

Bronfman said: "This transaction with Sunbelt is a watershed moment for me personally and Whites. As Canada's production industry undergoes exponential growth, Whites faces the most exciting opportunity in the company's history over the next few years. I felt it was time for Whites to align itself with a firm that has the resources, scale and culture to create growth opportunities for our employees. This enables the business to better serve our customers' ever-expanding needs, allowing Sunbelt to take Whites to the next level. This deal is in the best interest of Whites and my employees."

"We are proud of the company our entire team has built over almost 60 years,
and grateful for the customers who have consistently entrusted us to meet
their needs. As the industry changes, what won't change is our valued clients
remaining at the forefront of all we do at Whites. They should expect to
receive the same great products and services, the same level of customer care
and satisfaction and the same options and innovation as they always have; we
promise and will over deliver."

Horgan added: "Whites significantly enhances our capability to provide equipment to the film and television production market where increased demand for content is driving high growth opportunities. The acquisition will provide significant opportunities to cross sell our existing product range in Canada and develop our offering to this end market in the US. This acquisition is consistent with our long-term strategy to take advantage of structural growth opportunities through both organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions. I would like to welcome all Whites employees who have built this business into the iconic brand it is today to the overall Sunbelt team. We look forward to working with them to deliver on the major opportunities ahead."