United Rentals Inc. finalized its $4.2 billion in cash-and-stock purchase of RSC Holdings Inc. on April 30. The deal—first announced in December—includes $2.3 billion in assumed net debt. It is believed to be the largest equipment-rental company merger in history. In part due to the significance of the deal, company executives say they are weighing a possible name change.
The purchase received 83% shareholder approval. The deal gives RSC shareholders $10.80 in cash per share and 0.2783 of a share of United common stock in exchange for their shares. RSC, as a result, will have a 30% ownership of the combined company, plus three newly created positions on United's 11-member board.