Sunbelt purchase cues film sector growth

12 July 2022

Sunbelt Rentals has announced today the acquisition of PKE Lighting Ltd, a specialist hirer of film, photographic and TV lighting equipment and generators throughout the UK. 

The deal follows Sunbelt’s purchase of Movietech in May, a hirer of camera, lens and grip (support and mounting) equipment to the UK market. 

Andy Wright, Sunbelt Rentals UK’s chief operating officer, said that the deal "further strengthens our proposition in the British film and television industry.” 

He added: “Operating on a national level, PKE provides services to many of the UK’s leading television shows and is well positioned for growth within the UK film market.

“These are exciting times for all of us as we expand our footprint in the UK TV and film market. The combined knowledge and expertise of PKE, Movietech and [Canada-based Sunbelt business] William F. White International will be a true differentiator for us and our film and television clients.” 

Based in Irlam, Greater Manchester, PKE was formed in 1991 and is one of the largest hire businesses in the UK serving this market. It also has depots in Cardiff and Belfast.

The existing PKE management team of Mike Pollard, Matt Evans and Chris Hughes will remain in the business and work along the Sunbelt team in the UK and William F. White (WFW) as Sunbelt expands its operations in this market. 

Speaking about the acquisition, Mike Pollard, PKE's owner/director said: “It’s a great opportunity for us to be under the same umbrella as Movietech and WFW, which will allow us to continue to be successful well into the future. With Sunbelt’s support we will be able to invest in additional inventory and rental solutions that will expand our equipment offering and service for our clients.”

As mentioned previously, Sunbelt’s parent Ashtead Group reported strong progress in its core plant and equipment markets in its annual results, and it is striking that the business is also continuing to develop its specialist activities. 

● Read the earlier Q&A with Sunbelt’s Andy Wright here.