IRN-100 Survey: The Top 100 Equipment Rental Companies in the World

The latest IRN-100 list of the world's largest rental companies reveals a dual-speed rental market in 2007, with European firms growing at a considerably faster rate than their US or Japanese counterparts.

Although big US companies again dominate the top spots in the list - four of the top five have revenues mainly in North America (see Table below) - there are only two US companies in the ‘fast growth' league. Of the 15 companies in the list who grew by over 20% in 2007, 11 were European, including Spain's GAM and HUNE who leaped up the table to occupy places 19 and 31, respectively.

Overall, rental revenues at the top 100 companies rose by 9%. Big currency swings make comparisons with the 2006 figures difficult, with both the UK pound and the US dollar losing 10% of their value against the euro between December 2006 and December 2007. ‘Corrected' for these price fluctuations and actual revenues grew by 14% to €28.2 billion.

The survey also reveals the biggest spenders on new equipment, with the 25 largest investors in 2007 outlaying €5.5 billion on new equipment in 2007, 8% more than in 2006. Correct that for currency fluctuations and the ‘real' increase is nearer 12%, a figure that is unlikely to be matched this year.

New entrants to the list this year include Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi in Japan (ranked 34), Netherlands based crane renter Sarens (42), and Finnish crane and access player Pekkaniska (62). The full IRN-100 list is published in the June issue of IRN.

IRN-100: THE TOP TEN
2007/8 rental
Company revenues (million)

1 United Rentals €2383
2 Ashtead Group €1522
3 RSC €1212
4 Hertz Equipment €1055
5 Algeco Scotsman €1000
6 Aggreko €937
7 Loxam €747
8 Coates Hire €678
9 Ramirent €634
10 Speedy Hire €629