Sunbelt acquires TV equipment specialist

9 May 2022

Sunbelt Rentals has acquired Movietech, an independent specialist hire business providing camera, lens and grip (support and mounting) equipment to the UK film and television market.

Through its North American business, Sunbelt Rentals already owns the film and television production hire specialist, William F. White International Inc. (WFW). The company states that the acquisition of Movietech will allow both to leverage their respective areas of expertise, and that it marks the launch of Sunbelt’s UK strategy for this sector.

Movietech has bases at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and near Cardiff. Its chairman, John Buckley, said: “We are delighted to join the team at Sunbelt Rentals. Having enjoyed a long-standing relationship with our friends and colleagues at WFW in North America, we are certain this represents a perfect opportunity for Movietech to offer a scaled-up version of the respected boutique-style service we are known to provide.”

Andy Wright, Sunbelt Rentals UK CEO, added: “We wholeheartedly welcome Movietech to the larger Sunbelt Rentals family. This builds on our film and television rental business, WFW in Canada, as we expand into the UK and US where the vast majority of the world’s production takes place, while further enhancing the cross-selling attributes with the broader ‘Power of Sunbelt’ platform.”

The senior team will remain with Movietech to ensure a smooth integration of the business and look after its clients, with WFW vice president, camera and virtual production, Trevor Huys, overseeing operations. 

Given the impact of Covid-19 on film and TV production during the previous two years, this acquisition as restrictions are being lifted in more countries and territories could hardly be more timely. 

● Last month Sunbelt acquired Hybrid Power Hire which supplies battery power storage units.