Boels acquisition expands lighting division

Leila Steed Editor, Demolition & Recycling International

11 May 2023

Neil Fenwick (left), managing director at Illumin8 and Asif Latief, managing director for Boels Rental UK. (Photo: Boels)

Boels Rental has expanded its presence in the UK, with the acquisition of lighting tower rental specialist Illumin8.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Essex, Illumin8 serves customers in the construction, events, civil engineering, rail and film and television sectors.

Boels, which with its subsidiaries operates over 700 branches in 18 countries, agreed the deal for undisclosed amount.

Asif Latief, Managing Director Boels Rental UK, said, “We are very happy to welcome Neil Fenwick and the Illumin8 team to the Boels family.

“Boels has worked alongside Illumin8 for a number of years on very high-profile projects and events, and their product range, expertise and service levels are second to none.

“Illumin8 have forged a reputation built on providing high quality products and customer service and this culture fits perfectly with Boels’ principles. With the acquisition of Illumin8, Boels can now add lighting tower rental to its UK specialist divisions.”

The addition of Illumin8 will support Boels’s growing lighting division, allowing it to provide a wider product range to its UK customers and to grow its “presence in newer markets with complimentary equipment” - such as fencing, barriers, signage and larger generators - from its rental fleet.

“But it’s not just about equipment,” said Latief. “By acquiring Illumin8 we’re adding great people to the Boels team in the UK – people who have solid industry experience and expertise and can give customers peace of mind on their next project or event.”

The deal will also further expand Illumin8’s operations and support its growth strategy for the UK and beyond. The company’s Managing Director, Neil Fenwick, said, “In order to achieve our ambitious growth plans, we felt that aligning with an international group like Boels Rental would provide us with the platform to grow.

“I am proud of the entire team at Illumin8 and I’m confident we have a bright future as part of the Boels family”, added Fenwick.

This latest acquisition follows Boel’s recent acquisition of Norwary-based rental company BAS Maskinutleie. The deal aims to strengthen the Norwegian activities of its Finland-headquartered subsidiary Cramo, which itself purchased the Swedish equipment supplier Hyresbutiken in March of this year.