21.03.2024

Another acquisiton for Coopers

Canadian rental group Cooper Equipment Rentals has acquired Action Equipment Rentals of Red Deer, Alberta in an all share purchase deal.

Action was established in 1991 by Reginald Bloomfield and his father Ray Bloomfield in Sundre, Alberta to serve the central Alberta market. The company opened a second location in Red Deer the following year and then in 2015, consolidated its operations in the Red Deer location with general manager, Gabriel Castella-Chin leading the business. This included a major expansion and fleet renewal programme, all of which helped improve market share.



Action runs an extensive fleet of aerial lifts with self-propelled boom lifts to 80ft, trailer lifts and scissor lifts up to 32ft. It also offers telehandlers from compact models right up to 17 metre straight frames.

Speaking of the acquisition Castella-Chin, who will continue to manage the business, said: “Joining a Canadian owned company with an excellent reputation was important in our decision to join the Cooper family. We are looking forward to continuing to serve Central Alberta with the benefits and resources that allow us to expand our presence and continually improve our already excellent service.”

Cooper’s regional manager Lee Briscoe added: “Action’s prime location and facility in Red Deer intensifies our coverage in the important Alberta market, and their strong presence in Alberta enhances our ability to serve customers better in Western Canada.”

Co-founder Reginald Bloomfield said: “I was once told that if you build it, they will come. That was our charge for Action Rentals from the start, and this is the next natural step going forward. Cooper will take what we built and continue to build so they will come. And if we treat them right, they will stay.”



Cooper’s chief executive Doug Dougherty added: “Action has built a fine business with a reputation for quality and integrity in the construction equipment industry, and we are proud to welcome them into the Cooper family as we continue to grow our Company across Canada.”

Cooper Equipment Rentals was established in 1972 by Darryl Cooper and Doug Dougherty and now operates from 76 locations in six provinces, supplying tools, aerial lifts, telehandlers earthmoving, compaction equipment, pumps and power units. It has been majority owned by Halifax based private equity firm SeaFort Capital since 2013. Since then, it has made at least a dozen acquisitions, alongside its organic growth.