Discover the history and evolution of Petit Forestier Group

Petit Forestier Group experienced strong external growth between 2018 and 2024, enabling it to strengthen its international development and expertise:

2025 – Acquisition of Groupe Lagüe, based in Canada, specializing in the rental of specialty vehicles.

2024 – Acquisition of Eurocold, marking the Group’s entry into the Australian market.

2022–2023 – Continued acquisitions with Medfood in Italy (refrigerated cabinets), Ice Concept in Belgium (specializing in refrigerated vehicle rental), and Freezerent in the UK (specializing in refrigerated rental services).

2019 – Acquisition of Reftrade to strengthen our expertise in containers, and San Marcial in Spain, also positioned in refrigerated rental.

2018 – Acquisition of Mendon Trucks Leasing and Rental in the United States, Igloocar in Poland, and opening of the first Petit Forestier site in South Africa.

The multi-product refrigerated offering – vehicles, cabinets, and containers – strengthens the Group’s expertise in refrigeration.

2010, 2016 & 2017 – Opening of the first Petit Forestier sites in Morocco, the Czech Republic, and Austria.

2009 – Entry into the Italian market through the acquisition of Fuel Only.

2007 – Petit Forestier celebrates its 100th anniversary and delists from the stock exchange.

2006 – Building on its strong network of branches in France, Petit Forestier makes its first international steps with openings in Switzerland and Portugal. The Group also acquires Pro System, the European leader in refrigerated cabinet rental, completing its vehicles and containers offering.

External growth and international expansion mark a turning point in the Group’s development.

2005 – Entry into the Polish market through the acquisition of Rider CFM.

2004 – Launch of the Zephirent semi-trailer brand.

2003 – Acquisition of Via Truck Rental in the United Kingdom.

2001 – Continued external growth with the acquisition of Relec Froid, a manufacturer of refrigeration units.

2000 – Acquisition of Lecapitaine, the third-largest manufacturer of refrigerated truck bodies, and opening of the first Petit Forestier branch in Spain.

1999 – Opening of a branch in the Netherlands and listing on the Second Marché of the Paris Stock Exchange.

1998 – Acquisition of Stricher.

1997 & 1996 – Opening of a subsidiary in Luxembourg and the first branch in Belgium.

The Group finds its market and its name: Petit Forestier positions itself exclusively in full-service refrigerated rental.*

1991 – Building on its success in refrigerated vehicle rental, Petit Forestier expands into refrigerated containers, enhancing its offer in response to a clearly identified customer need.

1980 – Opening of a second branch in Rouen.

1975 – Yves Forestier initiates the creation of a national network. The first branch opens in Bordeaux with his cousin, Jean‑François Joulia. Around the same time, his brother Jean‑Claude Forestier joins the company and accelerates the expansion of the French network.

_{*full-service: all-inclusive service}

1965 – Jean Forestier launches the rental of driverless refrigerated vehicles. This innovative service remains, to this day, the hallmark and core business of Petit Forestier Group.

1956 – Transports Forestier Frères acquires the Petit company, located at the La Villette market in Paris, next to the former slaughterhouses.

1931 – Jean Forestier, son of Zéphirin Forestier, joins the company.

1907 – Zéphirin Forestier founds Transports Forestier Frères, specializing in the transport of live animals.