Annual Report 2007
The Voice of the Equipment Rental Industry
In 2006-2007, the European rental industry has experienced a tremendous boom due to the growth of
the construction sector, the equipment outsourcing and the current concentration trend.
In order to understand the environment, to foresee trends and to exchange views, ERA sets up
debates through committees, breakout sessions, or conferences by keynote speakers during its
annual meetings.
Backed by some 4,200 members from 13 European countries, either through 11 national
associations or directly, ERA is the representative body of an industry with a revenue of € 22 billion,
employing 150,000 people whose investments have a strong impact on manufacturers’ activity.
This level of representation and the recognition of its members have conferred ERA legitimacy to
champion the rental industry vis-à-vis both public institutions in Brussels and other European
federations, with which it already sustains working relations.
During the course of its first year, ERA worked on setting up an organisation and structures to run its
administration and communication, as well as to monitor legal intelligence. Moreover, 4 committees
of members were set up to address priorities related to the industry, namely Statistics, Promotion,
General Rental Conditions and Norms. So, ERA already works as any other European Association.
In addition to the website and press communication on business news and updates, ERA is releasing
this Annual Report. It deals with the industry matters which have to be known by any rental operator,
regardless of its size or location in Europe.
I would like to emphasise that our association is open to any rental operators through a direct
membership. Therefore, I encourage you to join and participate personally in committees, or in
annual Conventions. Our next Convention will take place in Amsterdam during the 1st International
Rental Exhibition promoted and sponsored by ERA and will be our industry highlight in 2008.
To conclude, I woul