Rental powerhouse Classic snaps up Aztec Tents

Los Angeles-based Classic Party Rentals, the biggest event rental company in the U.S., told Special Events Magazine Monday that it has acquired Aztec Tents & Events, based in nearby Torrance, Calif., one of the nation’s leading tent rental companies. Classic now comprises 12 divisions and generates combined annual revenue of more than $120 million, according to company reports. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Classic's high-profile event roster includes Hollywood awards shows and movie premieres, celebrity weddings and charity events. Aztec provides tent structures for a wide range of events including PGA golf tournaments, auto racing events with NASCAR, IRL, CART and NHRA, professional tennis tour events, the ESPN X Games and Los Angeles Fashion Week. Classic holds the No. 1 spot and Aztec No. 5 on Special Events' 2005 list of "30 Top Event Rental Companies."

“This announcement is tremendously exciting for the party and event industry,” said Classic Party Rentals CEO John Campanelli. “As the industry has grown and matured, our clients have asked for expanded tenting inventory and services. I am proud to bring these additional capabilities to our client base. We have partnered closely with Aztec for years and feel this is a natural combination.”

Classic will assume Aztec’s rental inventory, including more than 6 million square feet of tent and structuring. The current Aztec team will continue to serve clients out of its offices in Torrance, but the company's name will change to Classic Tents.

“This acquisition allows Aztec, now Classic Tents, to focus its resources on tents, structures and related services,” said Aztec president Chuck Miller, who will continue to run the new division. “More importantly, it offers our clients access to Classic’s deep inventory of tables, chairs, china, high-end tabletop, specialty linens and kitchen equipment. We all share a commitment to creating a distinct personality and feel for each event we produce, and we are extremely proud to become a part of the Classic Party Rentals family.”

Both Classic and Aztec made headlines with acquisitions last year, with Classic buying major players Regal Rents and Tri-Rentals, while Aztec picked up the assets of Academy Tent. Classic also owns high-end tabletop specialist Unique Tabletop Rentals.

Classic's Web site is www.classicpartyrentals.com.