History of the Group

O'Flaherty Holdings is one of Ireland's largest family business groups. It has a significant automotive business, Including Motor Distributors Ltd and Motor Services Ltd, which have been in operation since the 1940's.

Motor Distributors Limited is the importer and distributor in Ireland of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Motor Services Ltd is a network of motor dealerships providing sales and after-sales service for Mercedes-Benz, Mazda & Skoda. O'Flaherty Holdings also has a significant property and investment portfolio.

As part of its diversification strategy the Group entered the UK plant hire market through the acquisition of Mr Plant Hire in 2014. Through AER Rents the Group has continued to expand in the hire market in the UK and Ireland with the subsequent acquisitions of Drogheda Hire and Sales, Mainline Group, Welfare 4 Hire, Chippindale Plant and Hudson Lifting.

Strategy for Rental

Our core businesses trade in the traditional plant hire sector providing Tools (incl. M&E), Plant & Powered Access. Our aim is to establish a depot network capable of servicing 75% of the UK & Ireland's SME’s. Alongside this we are establishing a network of complementary specialist businesses providing a range of specialist products and services that support the core offering and give our customers more reasons to choose AER Rents. We pride ourselves in supporting our individual trading brands and will continue to support their development.
Expansion into rental

The AER Rents Timeline

Mr Plant Hire

Operating from three locations in North London their experienced team provides a wide range of plant, mechanical, electrical and powered access hire equipment across the Capital.

2014
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Drogheda Hire & Sales

From their initial depot in Drogheda and their new depot in Dublin, Drogheda Hire & Sales is well-placed to provide a comprehensive range of plant, tools and access hire to the Irish market.

May 2020
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Mainline Group

From its base in Swadlincote in Derbyshire Mainline is considered one of the leading hire companies in the Midlands, providing a wide range of tools, plant, power and access products to its customers.

Dec 2020
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Welfare 4 Hire

A specialist hirer of welfare units operating from five locations across the UK. Welfare 4 Hire have invested in the latest products to provide their customers with a fleet of over 600 units.

May 2021
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Chippindale Hire & Sales

One of the largest plant hire & sales businesses covering the North of England. Chippindale has over 70 years of experience delivering their award-winning service from eight strategic locations.

June 2022
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Hudson Lifting

With depots in London, the South and the South East, Hudson Lifting is the expert in the provision of lifting equipment rentals and solutions. A wide range of products are available for hire, including Hoisting, Hauling, Jacking, Material Handling and much more.

April 2023
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