United Rentals sells Wynne Systems to Canadian software group

United Rentals has sold its Wynne Systems software subsidiary to Canadian company Volaris Group. Volaris, part of Toronto stock market listed company Constellation Software, specialises in business software and already owns SBC (Solutions by Computer), the US rental software company.

Constellation said it had spent C$50 million on acquisitions this year so far, including that of Wynne Systems. The deal includes Wynne Systems Inc, InfoManager Inc and Wynne's European business Wynne Systems EMEA.

"We're excited Wynne has found a new home within Volaris Group", said John Bureau, Wynne's general manager, "Volaris invests in their businesses for the long-term and are committed to growing the rental management software vertical.

"We look forward to the opportunities ahead for Wynne, its customers and employees as part of a greater organisation that is focused on delivering mission-critical software solutions specifically to this market."

It is too early to say what the implications will be for Wynne - and for SBC - but one benefit of the deal will be that it is no longer owned by a major rental company, a situation that may have dissuaded some rental companies from using its software.

Wynne Systems, located in Irvine, California, is one of the favoured software providers for large rental businesses in the US, with both United Rentals and RSC Equipment Rental using its RentalMan system. In Europe it has recently won contracts with Loxam and Ramirent, two of the largest European renters.

Volaris provides software solutions for markets including agri-food, asset management and logistics, justice and people transportation. It is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, and has subsidiary offices in Denmark, Switzerland and the UK, as well as the SBC operation in Springfield, Massachusetts.