United Rentals buys Blue Mountain rental company

United Rentals has acquired the assets of Blue Mountain Equipment Rental Corp, a company with three locations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The price has not been disclosed.

Blue Mountain was founded in 2006 by Jim Jones (CEO), Michael Babik (CFO) and Nick Onderlo (COO) and its rental business is focused on the oil and gas exploration activities in the Marcellus Shale region.

Michael Kneeland, United's chief executive officer, said the acquisition further deepened the company's position in the expanding energy sector; "Like our three other acquisitions this year, Blue Mountain provides an attractive growth opportunity in a burgeoning segment.

"The management and employees of Blue Mountain bring industry expertise that will be valuable as well as a passion for outstanding customer service. We welcome them to the United Rentals family."

United said the Marcellus Shale area contained one of the largest natural gas reserves in the US.

Blue Mountain's three depots are in Uniontown and Clairton (Pittsburgh) in Pennsylvania, and Bridgeport, West Virginia.