Opifex-Synergy Expands Footprint with Acquisition of Nashville’s Equipment Finders Inc.
Opifex-Synergy announced the acquisition of Equipment Finders Inc., the leading Nashville, Tenn.-based independent equipment rental provider, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic growth plan. With the addition of EFI, Opifex-Synergy expands its presence in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan markets in the country and, according to the company, becomes the seventh largest general rental business in the United States.
“We’ve had a great year at Opifex-Synergy, and acquiring Equipment Finders is another giant step forward for our team,” said Jay Vaughn III, CEO of Opifex-Synergy. “The EFI deal fits perfectly with our strategy of focusing on the largest markets in the Sunbelt region. Nashville is one of the 22 metropolitan areas in the country that drive over half of all construction spending. EFI is exactly the kind of partner we want on our growth journey, bringing a strong business, great people, and a track record of winning customers. I’m pleased to welcome Scott Hatcher and the entire EFI team to Opifex-Synergy.”
Opifex-Synergy Chairman JC Mas added, “This is how we grow – by finding the right markets, the right teams, and the right investments to keep us ahead. I look forward to seeing the growth that Jay and Scott can drive in the Nashville market.”
Opifex-Synergy now has a multi-branch presence in 10 of the top 22 metropolitan statistical areas in the country, with a growth plan focused on increasing organic same-store sales, expanding specialty rental product and service offerings, and pursuing strategic acquisitions.
“Joining Opifex-Synergy is an exciting next chapter for EFI,” said EFI founder Scott Hatcher, who will join Opifex-Synergy’s corporate leadership team as vice president of corporate development and will join the management advisory committee. “We’ve built our business on strong relationships, operational excellence, and a commitment to our customers—values that align perfectly with Opifex-Synergy’s approach. Together, we’ll be able to offer even more resources, capabilities, and opportunities for our team and customers in Nashville.”
Fast growth for Opifex-Synergy
This announcement builds on a pivotal year for Opifex-Synergy, which recently named Opifex founder Joseph “Jay” Vaughn III as CEO. His appointment followed the successful 2024 merger of Opifex LLC and Synergy Equipment, which united two high-performing, values-driven operators to create one of the largest independent equipment rental companies in the United States.
Opifex-Synergy now has more than 34 locations and features aerial, earthmoving, trench safety, pumps, material handling, compaction, and specialty equipment. Equipment Finders Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., focusing on the Middle Tennessee region. EFI is No. 71 on the RER 100, with $33.6 million in 2024 rental revenue.
Catalyst Strategic Advisors served as exclusive transaction advisor to Equipment Finders Inc. in its sale to Opifex-Synergy. Catalyst previously advised Opifex in its combination with Synergy.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.