HB RTS expands with TPS Rental Systems

Utrecht, December 1, 2024 – HB RTS, a logistics service provider and specialist in the rental and pooling of reusable load carriers, is proud to announce the acquisition of TPS Rental Systems Ltd (“TPS”). This strategic acquisition strengthens HB RTS' position as the European market leader in the rental and pooling of sustainable logistics solutions for a wide range of sectors.

Expansion of the European network and offering

With the support of Arcus Infrastructure Partners, HB RTS has grown to become an established name in Europe in the field of pooling, rental, transport, storage, and cleaning of crates, pallets, boxes, and rolling load carriers. The company offers fully managed reverse logistics to customers throughout Europe and has a pool of approximately six million load carriers that are rented and pooled to customers in the food and horticulture sectors. HB RTS has built up a leading market position through significant investments in load carriers, as well as long-term relationships with a diversified customer base, providing tailor-made solutions in reverse logistics, and with an extensive network of washing locations and specific return centers for leading retailers.

TPS Rental Systems is a major player in the rental of bulk containers, both steel and bag-in-box, and the sale of associated liner bags and custom-made accessories. This unique combination of bag-in-box containers and the production of liner bags gives TPS a prominent role in the supply chain of its customers, who are mainly active in the European food and cosmetics industry. TPS has a strong presence in countries including England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, which fits seamlessly with HB RTS's market positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

A powerful European platform with unique solutions

The merger of HB RTS and TPS creates a unique and robust European platform with an extensive range of load carriers and services. With this acquisition, HB RTS now offers a one-stop-shop solution for load carriers and provides vital logistics infrastructure for European food producers, wholesalers, retailers, and other market segments. Across the entire value chain, customers can count on sustainable, customized rental and pooling solutions delivered by HB RTS.

This strategic move underscores HB RTS's ongoing commitment to developing efficient and cost-effective solutions for its diverse customer base. The complementary market positions of both companies (
) will enable HB RTS to better support its customers in meeting their logistics challenges throughout Europe.

Eric Schrover, CEO HB RTS: “We are extremely enthusiastic about the acquisition of TPS. With its unique position in the European supply chain, TPS is a perfect addition to our company. Together, we are creating a complete platform for the pooling and rental of load carriers for companies throughout Europe. This platform will enable our customers to make their supply chains even more sustainable and efficient. This supports our commitment to promoting the transition from single-use to reusable transport packaging. During the acquisition process, we became convinced of the quality and reputation of the TPS team and the strong position the company has managed to establish within its loyal customer base. We look forward to working with the TPS team to further develop the inherent value of our complementary propositions."

Ian Camwell, CEO TPS Rental Systems: "I am delighted to be part of this merger with HB RTS and excited about the opportunities it will bring for both companies. The synergy between the two organizations will not only benefit our employees, but our customers will also greatly benefit from the expanded product range we can now offer and from future investments."

Reflecting on the acquisition, Jordan Cott, Partner at Arcus Infrastructure Partners, commented: “TPS is a strategically important acquisition for HB RTS, and highly complementary to its current business, significantly increasing the platform value by expanding its activities in the pre-production segment of the food value chain as well as in new European regions. TPS also provides entry into the attractive IBC leasing market segment, which we consider to be an important long-term growth opportunity for the group. The acquisition is another excellent example of how Arcus works with the management teams of its portfolio companies to leverage strategic M&A to create long-term value."

With this acquisition, HB RTS and TPS are strengthening their shared mission: to provide innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused solutions within the logistics sector.