World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Lowe Rental buys PKL Group

UK: The Lowe Rental Group has acquired Cheltenham-based PKL Group, a supplier of temporary kitchens and catering equipment for rental and sale. 

Founded in 1988 and employing around 100 staff, PKL supplies temporary and permanent catering infrastructure to a diverse range of end markets, delivered in many forms such as modular kitchens, food kiosks and the hire of commercial catering equipment. The company has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions for some of the world’s most renowned events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. 

Lowe says the acquisition supports its plans for growth and adds a significant wealth of expertise in the catering space, complementing Lowe’s expertise in the supply of refrigeration. The combined group will have revenues in 2019/20 of over £50m and will operate from 11 locations across the world. 

Describing PKL as “a perfect fit”, Lowe CEO Rodney Lowry said: “There are excellent synergies between the companies such as our approach to customer service, our reputation as trusted brands, the quality of products we supply and the high calibre of the management teams. Both companies are delighted to have all formalities of the deal completed, clearing the way for our staff to start the business of building a collective powerhouse in the rental of refrigeration, catering equipment and temporary kitchens across the world.” 

Commenting on the deal, PKL’s CEO, Lee Vines said: “The acquisition of our business by Lowe is a very exciting and welcome step forward for all here at PKL. Having the backing of such a large, globally renowned company unlocks new significant growth potential in markets and geographies that historically would have been out of reach. The Lowe team also brings a wealth of refrigeration knowledge to the table and we are very enthusiastic about the prospect of providing a broader and highly compelling offering in the market.” 

Founded in 1977, with its headquarters in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Lowe provides refrigeration and catering equipment for rental and sale to the world’s leading F&B exhibitions, events and retailers.

Latest News

22nd April 2026

Free heat pump monitoring portal for installers

UK: Passiv UK has unveiled a web-based monitoring portal that enables heat pump installers to remotely track and optimise all their installations from a single dashboard. 
22nd April 2026

EU plans will boost heat pump sales

EUROPE: Boosting heat pump sales to four million per year by 2030 and tackling electricity to gas price ratios are two of the goals of Europe'an's AccelerateEU energy plan.
22nd April 2026

ODS emissions threaten ozone layer recovery

SWITZERLAND/UK: An increase in feedstock emissions of ozone depleting gases are said to be threatening the recovery of the ozone layer. 
22nd April 2026

Artus Air supports British Land’s sustainable HQ

UK: Ninety-five Artus Air hybrid fan coil units are being installed at British Land’s new London head office at 20 Triton Street, Regent’s Place.
21st April 2026

Midea ceiling-mounted inverter AHU

USA: Midea is promoting its inverter-driven Pancake AHU as an easy to install ceiling-mounted ducted solution for a wide range of climates, including cold-weather conditions. 
21st April 2026

Hitachi sells home appliance business to focus on AC

JAPAN: Hitachi has sold its household appliance interests to Nojima Corp to concentrate on its air conditioning business.