STAR Capital-backed GenAir Acquires RTC Group BV to Expand Oil-Free Compressor Range

GenAir UK Ltd, a specialist provider of industrial air compressors and related products backed by UK based private equity firm STAR Capital, announces the acquisition of RTC Group BV, a Netherlands-based company focused on large-scale containerised oil-free centrifugal compressor and dryer rental solutions. The deal, announced on June 12, 2026, represents GenAir’s first strategic expansion into mainland Europe and significantly broadens its oil-free compressor offerings in the UK.

While financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition provides GenAir with an immediate operational presence in continental Europe, including an established trading entity in the Netherlands, depot infrastructure, customer relationships, and an expanded fleet capability.

GenAir UK Ltd is known for its industrial air compressor rental services across various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. RTC Group BV has built a strong reputation within the oil-free compressed air sector, serving industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure with its specialised containerised oil-free centrifugal compressors, dryers, and boosters.

The acquisition enables GenAir to offer a comprehensive, technology-agnostic oil-free compressor portfolio. This includes diesel and electric-powered oil-free compressors, oil-free screw compressors, oil-free centrifugal compressors, and large-scale containerised rental solutions tailored for mission-critical applications. This expanded range allows GenAir to provide customers with the most suitable compressor solution regardless of fuel type, platform, or operational need.

Ben Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of GenAir, commented, “RTC is a highly respected niche business with a unique fleet and deep technical expertise in oil-free centrifugal compressor rental solutions. This acquisition is strategically important for GenAir as it establishes our presence within Europe while strengthening our specialist oil-free offering here in the UK. By combining RTC’s centrifugal capability with our existing oil-free and industrial compressor expertise, we are creating what we believe is one of the most technically complete specialist compressor rental platforms in the market.” He added, “This is the first step in our wider growth strategy, and we continue to evaluate further opportunities across the region.”

Henk Uphoff, Managing Director of RTC, said, “The demand for high-specification oil-free compressed air solutions continues to grow across industrial markets, particularly where reliability, air purity, and operational continuity are critical. Combining RTC’s expertise with GenAir’s broader industrial compressor capabilities creates a highly complementary platform with significant technical depth. We look forward to working together to support customers across the UK and Europe with a wider range of specialist rental solutions.”

The combined entity will support high-specification industrial applications requiring clean, reliable compressed air, including planned maintenance shutdowns, emergency breakdown responses, process continuity, and large-scale temporary air requirements. The acquisition aligns with growing regulatory standards, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements, and increasing demand for contamination-free industrial processes.

Market analysts note that this acquisition strengthens GenAir’s position as a leading industrial compressor rental provider in Europe by broadening its product offerings and geographic reach. The deal also accelerates industry consolidation and is likely to intensify competition, prompting rivals to consider similar acquisitions or partnerships to expand their product lines and market presence.

Looking ahead, GenAir plans to integrate RTC’s rental management systems and standardize service protocols to optimize operational efficiency. The company also anticipates challenges related to aligning processes and cultures across UK and Dutch operations but remains confident in the strategic benefits of the acquisition.

Overall, this move positions GenAir to capitalize on expanding European markets and evolving customer demands for advanced oil-free compressed air solutions.