Heavy Equipment Mergers and Acquisitions 2025-2026: Market Trends and Recruitment Insights

• The heavy equipment industry is in a period of major mergers and acquisitions, with many more expected as we move into 2026. These deals are reshaping how companies compete, how technology is adopted, and where growth opportunities lie.

Private investment in industrial equipment and machinery has grown by 3.8% to $841.7 billion this year, signalling strong interest from investors and solidifying the sector’s position as a key driver of global industrial growth.

In this article, we explore the key drivers behind heavy equipment M&A activity, highlight the most significant mergers of 2025, and discuss what these trends mean for leadership and recruitment heading into 2026.

Contact CSG Talent to secure the leadership talent needed to navigate industry change.

Heavy Equipment M&A Outlook: 2025 Results and 2026 Forecast

Growth of the Construction Equipment Rental Market

Rental has emerged as the strongest growth area, with the global construction equipment rental market valued at $151.61 billion in 2025 and expected to rise to $159.39 billion in 2026. High costs are pushing contractors toward these rental models as they offer greater flexibility and access to modern fleets.

Market Consolidation and Private Equity Expansion

Consolidation has been a core theme of 2025 and is set to accelerate in 2026, with dealer groups and rental providers pursuing acquisitions to expand geographic reach and strengthen networks. Private equity firms are also playing a greater role, using roll-up strategies to combine multiple smaller businesses into stronger and more competitive organisations.

Technology-Driven Heavy Equipment Acquisitions

Technology is a major factor driving acquisitions as companies target firms with expertise in telematics, robotics, AI, and digital platforms. Rather than building these capabilities internally, businesses are acquiring them to speed up innovation. At the same time, diversification strategies are opening opportunities in sectors such as mining and defence, helping equipment companies secure new revenue streams.

Major Heavy Equipment Mergers Driving Industry Transformation

Herc Holdings Acquires H&E Equipment Services

One of the largest deals in 2025 was Herc Holdings’ $5.3 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services, a merger that significantly reshaped the North American rental market by combining two well-established providers. Herc now has access to an even larger fleet and a wider customer base, positioning the company as a dominant force in meeting demand from contractors and industrial clients across the U.S.

James River Equipment Strengthens Network with JESCO Acquisition

James River Equipment, a major John Deere dealer, expanded its presence by acquiring four JESCO Equipment locations in Maryland. This regional consolidation strengthens James River’s ability to deliver after-sales support and customer service in a market where relationships and service capabilities are crucial.

Wildcat Equity Invests in Groff Tractor & Equipment

Wildcat Equity’s investment in Groff Tractor & Equipment is a clear example of how private equity is continuing to shape the dealership landscape. As a leading John Deere Construction and Forestry Dealer with a strong presence across Pennsylvania and the nearby states, Groff has been a trusted partner for contractors and infrastructure projects for nearly 70 years.

The backing from Wildcat Equity provides Groff with the capital and strategic support needed to expand its footprint, modernise operations, and strengthen customer service, showing how private equity is driving growth in regional dealership networks.

Brightstar Capital Partners Acquires WW Williams

Brightstar Capital Partners’ acquisition of WW Williams marked another significant private equity move in the heavy equipment services space. WW Williams, a major provider of equipment distribution, repair, and power solutions, has decades of history supporting industrial and construction clients across the USA.

With Brightstar’s backing, the business is positioned for rapid expansion by leveraging investment to increase service offerings and improve technological capabilities. This deal shows how private equity firms are actively consolidating the market by targeting established dealerships and service providers to build stronger and more valuable platforms.

United Tractors Expands into Mining with PT Arafura Surya Alam

In Southeast Asia, United Tractors completed a $540 million acquisition of PT Arafura Surya Alam, a gold mining company. Known primarily as a heavy equipment distributor and coal mining operator, United Tractors is now broadening its portfolio into natural resources. This move highlights how equipment businesses are diversifying into new industries to secure long-term growth opportunities.

Executive Leadership in Heavy Equipment Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions create complex challenges in leadership, integration, and workforce planning. Businesses need executives who can oversee operational transformation and integrate new technologies or services into existing processes.

Working with an executive search partner allows companies to identify leaders who understand the heavy equipment market and can deliver results through change. Strong leadership often makes the difference between a merger that adds value and one that fails to deliver its potential.

Heavy Equipment Recruitment Experts at CSG Talent

At CSG Talent, our heavy equipment executive search specialists work as strategic consultants to help dealers, equity groups, and OEMs identify and attract the next generation of leadership talent. With deep industry knowledge and a global network, we provide the insight and connections needed to build leadership teams that can drive success in 2026.

Contact our heavy equipment recruitment specialists to access top-tier talent and build resilient leadership teams.

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