Brandon Hire Plc said recently that it has received approaches that may lead to a takeover bid by top British tool rental company Speedy Hire plc. According to filings with British regulatory agencies, Speedy has built up a 1.6-percent stake in Brandon with three purchases this year.
British analysts said Speedy wants to expand and that Brandon, believed to be the fourth-largest British rental company, is the largest likely takeover candidate.
According to Bloomberg.com, Brandon acquired eight companies in 2005, building a network of more than 140 branches and a national footprint.
