The Future of Water

Herc, Sunbelt, and United: How Recent M&A Is Reshaping the Water Equipment Rental Market


Listen Later

In Episode 114 of The Future of Water podcast, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Research Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards for a deep dive into the water landscape, focusing on the evolving role of the equipment rental sector. The conversation centers on the competitive dynamics among major rental companies such as Herc, Sunbelt, and United Rentals, with a spotlight on Herc’s recent US$5.3 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services.

Ethan breaks down the impact of this deal, positioning Herc as the third-largest equipment rental company in North America. He also discusses how original equipment manufacturers rely on rental firms to distribute pumps, dewatering systems, and trench safety solutions, particularly as municipalities and industries adopt asset-light models. He highlights that rental companies are an essential channel for water equipment, especially in sectors like mining, construction, and oil & gas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Water Connection: Rental companies are not just providing equipment—they're offering full-service dewatering and treatment solutions, competing directly with specialized water service providers.
  • Consolidation Trends: With companies like United Rentals and Sunbelt expanding through acquisitions, the rental sector is seeing increased consolidation.
  • Strategic Shifts: Pump manufacturers are increasingly relying on top rental companies for distribution, as exclusive supply agreements and co-branded deals help maintain steady demand and strengthen their market positions.
  • Looking Ahead: Ethan shares insights on how AI and connected worksites could further transform equipment rental strategies, particularly in water-related projects.
  • If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.

    If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

    Related Research & Analysis:

    • Herc’s US$5.3B Acquisition: Reshaping the Water Rental Market Channel
    • ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      The Future of WaterBy Reese Tisdale

      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9

      4.9

      33 ratings


      More shows like The Future of Water

      View all
      Economist Podcasts by The Economist

      Economist Podcasts

      4,262 Listeners

      Radiolab by WNYC Studios

      Radiolab

      43,944 Listeners

      Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

      Freakonomics Radio

      32,121 Listeners

      Water Values Podcast by Dave McGimpsey

      Water Values Podcast

      189 Listeners

      The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig

      The Tim Ferriss Show

      16,240 Listeners

      Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

      Hidden Brain

      43,406 Listeners

      Odd Lots by Bloomberg

      Odd Lots

      1,692 Listeners

      Pivot by New York Magazine

      Pivot

      8,534 Listeners

      Currents by Norton Rose Fulbright

      Currents

      123 Listeners

      GZERO World with Ian Bremmer by GZERO Media

      GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

      729 Listeners

      The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway by Vox Media Podcast Network

      The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

      4,740 Listeners

      Hard Fork by The New York Times

      Hard Fork

      5,377 Listeners

      The Rest Is History by Goalhanger

      The Rest Is History

      12,328 Listeners

      The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

      The Ezra Klein Show

      14,859 Listeners

      Prof G Markets by Vox Media Podcast Network

      Prof G Markets

      761 Listeners