Car hire giant Hertz has announced the acquisition of one of Hollywood’s leading equipment suppliers, 1^st Call Studio Equipment. The move represents Hertz’s first foray into the film industry, and according to chairman and chief executive, Mark P Frissora, Hertz is looking for more opportunities to expand in the world of entertainment.

Frissora added that Hertz was looking to offer clients a one-stop solution when it came to film equipment and vehicle rental. 1^st Call Studio Equipment has been supplying fork lifts, scissor lifts, booms and lighting towers to the entertainment industry since 1999. Michael Catellano, the boss of 1^st Call’s previous owners, RoadSafe Traffic Systems, said that under Hertz, 1^st Call would be able to fully appreciate its potential. He added that the firm would fit perfectly with Hertz’s entertainment arm and wished 1^st Call continued success.

Hertz Entertainment Services aims to provide vehicles and equipment to both small and large scale productions. Staff are on call 24-hours-a-day to provide clients with technical solutions. Equipment is made available to those who are setting up specific events including sporting fixtures as well as fairs, weddings and conventions.

President of Hertz Equipment Rental, Gerry Plescia, said that by integrating the 1^st Call business into Hertz’s entertainment arm, the company was gaining a strong foothold in Hollywood. He added that the company would also be expanding into new territories including Louisiana and Albuquerque where 1^st Call already has offices.

Last year 1^st Call earned revenues of around $8 million. The company has been acquired by Hertz for an undisclosed sum.