Classic's warehouse in El Segundo, Calif. Photo by Special Events Magazine.

Los Angeles-based rental powerhouse Classic Party Rentals announced Thursday that it has acquired ACE Party Rentals of Charlotte, N.C. The move expands Classic's reach in the Southeast; in August, Classic snapped up the operations of Carolina Party Plus, also in Charlotte, and Atlanta Party Plus in Atlanta.

ACE Party Rentals, founded in 1997, is considered a leading tenting and event rental vendor in the greater Charlotte area, providing support for high-profile community events such as Queenscup Steeplechase, Latin Festival, and the National MS Bike to the Beach.

Classic will integrate ACE’s operations into its existing location in Charlotte, the company reported. Classic’s facility includes a large showroom, which offers client meeting space. Combining ACE’s tenting, table and chair capabilities with Classic’s specialty linen and tabletop expertise will provide clients with more choices and deeper inventory quantities, the company said. Christian Eastman, ACE founder, will lead the combined company as the general manager with support from assistant general manager Scott Fletcher and director of sales Christine Young, according to a statement from Classic.

GOOD TO GROW

“Charlotte is an exciting and growing market,” said Classic CEO John Campanelli. “Classic made its initial commitment to this community last August when we purchased Carolina Party Plus. Now, with the addition of ACE Party Rentals, we have expanded our capabilities in Charlotte, with the goal of providing high-quality, full-service event rentals."

"Christian Eastman was raised and educated in North Carolina and has tremendous understanding and knowledge of the local market," Campanelli added. "We are excited to have him lead the Charlotte branch of Classic Party Rentals.”

“Being a small business owner, while fun, can be challenging," Eastman said. "ACE clients were always asking us to expand our capabilities. Merging with Classic immediately benefits ACE clients, as well as Classic’s clients. We are now part of a bigger network and will have support from our sister stores in the Southeast. I am very excited to join the Classic team and contribute to the company’s growth in Charlotte and the Southeast region.”