United Rentals Acquires BlueLine Rental

According to PitchBook, for the week ending September 15, a total of 40 mergers and acquisition deals were announced for a total of $22.44 billion in capital invested. The information technology sector experienced the largest share of the action with 12 deals for $8.47 billion. Business-to-business firms saw the largest share of capital with $9.1 billion on 7 deals. The following are a selection of the transactions within Skyline’s core industry focuses:

• United Rentals, the world’s largest equipment rental company, will acquire BlueLine Rental for a $2.1 billion price tag. BlueLine Rental is a national equipment rental service, with 114 locations in 25 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The deal will expand United’s fleet by 46,000 rental assets.

• Chocolatier and candy-giant Hershey will acquire Pirate Brands from B&G Foods for $420 million. Pirate Brands consists of extruded snacks Pirate’s Booty, Smart Puffs and Original Tings. Hershey says the deal will help it expand into the growing $2.5 billion cheese puffs market.

• New Century Health, a provider of healthcare benefit management technology, will be acquired by Evolent Health (NYS: EVH) for $217 million dollars. New Century Health’s software platform brings together clinical capabilities, pharmacy management and physician engagement to allow its clients to better navigate the complex healthcare landscape.

• To expand its suite of epilepsy treatments, Supernus Therapeutics (NAS: SUPN) will pay $185 million to acquire Biscayne Neurotherapeutics. Biscayne is working to develop a treatment for epilepsy, particularly its SPN-817 drug that utilizes a novel synthetic form of huperzine A.
  

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• Chicago native CityBase, a provider of software that allows municipal government entities to connect with the residents and businesses they serve, will be acquired by GTY Technology Holdings (NAS: GTYH) for $160 million. CityBase is already serving 70 markets and helps governments to stitch together their old and disparate computer systems into one platform.