| Key Points: – Deal offers 109.4% premium to H&E shareholders at $92 per share – United Rentals to add 64,000 units to rental fleet – Expected cost synergies of $130 million within 24 months |
United Rentals (URI) announced today a landmark $4.8 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services, marking a significant consolidation in the equipment rental industry amid strong demand for construction and industrial machinery. The deal, which sent H&E shares soaring over 105% in early trading, positions United Rentals to capitalize on increasing infrastructure spending and reshoring trends across the United States.
The all-cash transaction values H&E shares at $92 each, representing a substantial 109.4% premium to the company’s closing price on Monday. The strategic acquisition will expand United Rentals’ fleet by approximately 64,000 units, strengthening its position as one of the world’s largest equipment rental firms.
“We see United Rentals having a meaningful cross selling opportunity by pairing its specialty rental business with H&E’s portfolio of general rental equipment,” noted CFRA Research analyst Jonathan Sakraida. The merger comes at a time when industrial equipment demand remains robust, driven by increased government infrastructure spending and ongoing manufacturing production delays.
H&E Equipment, founded in 1961, brings to the table a diverse general rental fleet including aerial work platforms, earthmoving equipment, and material handling machinery. This portfolio complements United Rentals’ existing offerings and is expected to generate approximately $130 million in annual cost synergies within two years of the deal’s closing.
The merger agreement includes a 35-day “go-shop” period, allowing H&E to seek potentially better offers from other suitors. However, the substantial premium offered by United Rentals suggests strong confidence in the deal’s strategic value and future growth potential.
The timing of the acquisition appears particularly strategic, as United Rentals aims to capitalize on the continued momentum in U.S. reshoring efforts and infrastructure-related construction projected for 2025. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company has demonstrated consistent growth, reporting rising annual revenue over the past three years.
This consolidation in the equipment rental sector reflects broader industry trends toward scale and efficiency, as companies seek to meet the growing demands of major infrastructure projects and commercial construction across the United States.