A leading commercial vehicle contract hire company has expanded its fleet following the acquisition of Sunrent for an undisclosed sum.
Prohire Plc which provides vehicle contract hire, fleet and accident management solutions and short-term rental to some of the UK’s major LCV and HGV fleet users, has purchased family-owned Sunrent adding to its national network.
Based in Tunbridge Wells, Sunrent provides contract hire solutions to a range of national customers, as well as short and long-term rental. The combined fleet post-acquisition will see c.4,000 units being managed by the Prohire Group.
Sunrent’s culture and focus on customer-service played a key part in acquiring the business as Prohire’s group managing director, David B Barlow, explains: “Sunrent’s expertise in the temperature control and on-road handling sectors fits perfectly with our growth plans and strengthens our reach not just across the South East but further afield.
“As Prohire grows, it is essential that we acquire like-minded businesses that have a synergy with our own values. Like Prohire, Sunrent is customer-focused which made them a natural addition to the Group.
“Over the coming months we will be working with Sunrent’s existing management team to oversee the transition but we intend to maintain and enhance both brands to the benefit of our customers.”
The acquisition will see all of Sunrent’s employees remain with the business including Sunrent’s sales director – Jason Saunders – who will assume the role of group business development director and general manager of the Sunrent brand.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build the Sunrent brand with the support of a larger group which mirror Sunrent’s values. Prohire is already leading the way in customer-care and with their expertise we will continue to develop and provide our clients with greater service reach and fleet options,” says Jason.
Both Prohire and Sunrent are members of the BVRLA, with Prohire recently demonstrating its commitment to industry-leading compliance and service in a faultless BVRLA audit.
The company also achieved an industry-first earlier this year as it became the only commercial vehicle hire company to secure the government recognised ‘Customer Service Excellence Standard’ (CSE Standard).
“Although many suppliers in our industry cite that they deliver value-add and good customer service, to be independently assessed and verified to ensure our team, processes and strategies deliver, is proof of our focus and consistent delivery,’ says Barlow.
“The Sunrent acquisition is a fantastic opportunity to add to this and enhance our combined offering to the commercial vehicle sector.”
In addition to the new government recognised CSE Standard, Prohire has also achieved Investors in People – BSI: ISO 9001, is a member of Freight Transport Association (FTA) and achieved the Van Excellence partnership accreditation during 2016.