UNITED RENTALS NORTH AMERICA INC
10-Q, 1998-08-14
EQUIPMENT RENTAL & LEASING, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549



                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934

     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the transition period from               to 
                                    -------------    -------------

                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-14387
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.


                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13663
                     UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.
                                        

                                        
         (Exact names of Registrants' as specified in their charters)



   Delaware                                     06-1522496
   Delaware                                     06-1493538               
 ---------------------------             -------------------------        
(State or other jurisdiction                (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)           Identification Nos.)

Four Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich, Connecticut          06830
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

Registrants' telephone number, including area code (203) 622-3131
                                                   --------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

   X   Yes         No
 -----       -----   

As of August 10, 1998 there were 34,584,123 shares of the United Rentals, Inc.
common stock, $.01 par value outstanding.

There is no market for the common stock of United Rentals (North America), Inc.,
all outstanding shares of which are owned by United Rentals, Inc.

This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by (i) United Rentals, Inc. and (ii)
United Rentals (North America), Inc. (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of
United Rentals, Inc.).  United Rentals (North America), Inc. meets the
conditions set forth in general instruction H(1)(A)and(B)of Form 10-Q and is
therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by such
instruction.
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                     UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.
                                        
            FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998

                                     INDEX



                                                             PAGE
                                                            ------



PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Item 1    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

          United Rentals, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets
          as of June 30,1998 and December 31, 1997
          (unaudited)...........................................  3

          United Rentals, Inc. Consolidated Statements of
          Operations for the Six and Three Months
          Ended June 30, 1998 (unaudited).......................  4

          United Rentals, Inc. Consolidated Statements of
          Stockholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended
          June 30, 1998(unaudited)..............................  5

          United Rentals, Inc. Consolidated Statement of
          Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended
          June 30, 1998 (unaudited).............................  6

          Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements..  8


Item 2    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations................... 16

PART II   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2    Changes in Securities................................. 31

Item 6    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................... 32

          Signatures............................................ 35
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

                                          JUNE 30      DECEMBER 31
                                            1998          1997
                                            ----          ----

                                    ASSETS
 
  Cash and cash equivalents            $  5,486,092  $ 68,607,528
  Accounts receivable, net of
    allowance for doubtful accounts
    of $7,778,000 in 1998 and
    $1,161,000 in 1997                   67,202,625     7,494,636
  Inventory                              33,255,606     3,827,446
  Prepaid expenses and other assets      22,887,178     2,966,822
  Rental equipment, net                 298,956,195    33,407,561
  Property and equipment, net            32,349,116     2,272,683
  Intangible assets, net of
    accumulated amortization
    of $3,198,000 in 1998 and
    $241,000 in 1997                    429,027,657    50,533,736
                                       ------------  ------------
                                       $889,164,469  $169,110,412
                                       ============  ============

                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Liabilities:
  Accounts payable                      $ 55,855,965   $  5,697,830
  Debt                                   389,181,344      1,074,474
  Deferred income taxes                    2,375,648        198,249
  Accrued expenses and other
    liabilities                           23,357,346      4,409,828
                                        ------------   ------------
          Total liabilities              470,770,303     11,380,381
 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock--$.01 par value,
    5,000,000 shares authorized, no
    shares issued and outstanding                 --             --
  Common stock--$.01 par value,
    75,000,000 shares authorized in
    1998 and 1997,34,192,085 in 1998
    and 23,899,119 in 1997 shares
    issued and outstanding                   341,921        238,991
  Additional paid-in capital             409,817,333    157,457,418
  Retained earnings                        8,253,698         33,622
  Cumulative translation adjustments         (18,786)            --
                                        ------------   ------------
          Total stockholders' equity     418,394,166    157,730,031
                                        ------------   ------------

                                        $889,164,469   $169,110,412
                                        ============   ============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

                                        SIX MONTHS     THREE MONTHS
                                          ENDED           ENDED
                                      JUNE 30, 1998   JUNE 30, 1998
                                      --------------  --------------
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals                    $ 86,104,719     $59,324,869
  Sales of rental equipment              10,464,642       7,481,451
  Sales of new equipment,
    merchandise and other
    revenues                             30,781,919      21,354,794
                                       ------------     -----------
Total revenues                          127,351,280      88,161,114
 
Cost of revenues:
  Cost of equipment rentals,
    excluding depreciation               35,608,405      24,386,901
  Depreciation of rental equipment       14,565,250       9,981,418
  Cost of rental equipment sales          5,828,280       4,188,849
  Cost of new equipment and
    merchandise sales and other
    operating costs                      24,110,542      16,518,651
                                       ------------     -----------
 
Total cost of revenues                   80,112,477      55,075,819
                                       ------------     -----------
 
Gross profit                             47,238,803      33,085,295
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses                25,101,187      17,294,256
Non-rental depreciation
  and amortization                        3,815,236       2,728,812
                                       ------------     -----------
 
Operating income                         18,322,380      13,062,227
Interest expense                          4,936,708       3,763,990
Other (income) expense                     (527,547)       (146,844)
                                       ------------     -----------
 
Income before provision for
  income taxes                           13,913,219       9,445,081
Provision for income taxes                5,693,143       3,863,356
                                       ------------     -----------
  Net income                           $  8,220,076     $ 5,581,725
                                       ============     ===========
 
Basic earnings per share               $       0.27     $      0.17
                                       ============     ===========
 
Diluted earnings per share             $       0.23     $      0.14 
                                       ============     =========== 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              COMMON STOCK
                        ------------------------                 
                          NUMBER                   ADDITIONAL                 CUMULATIVE 
                            OF                       PAID-IN      RETAINED    TRANSLATION
                          SHARES        AMOUNT       CAPITAL      EARNINGS    ADJUSTMENTS
                        ----------   -----------    --------    ------------  ----------- 
<S>                     <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>           <C> 
Balance,
 December 31, 1997      23,899,119     $238,991   $157,457,418   $   33,622        --
Issuance of
 common stock           10,415,752      104,158    252,158,687
Translation
 adjustments                                                                  $   (18,786)
Conversion of
 convertible note           14,814          148        199,852
Cancellation of
 common stock             (137,600)      (1,376)         1,376
Net income                                                        8,220,076
                       -----------     --------   ------------  -----------   -----------
Balance,
 June 30,1998           34,192,085     $341,921   $409,817,333   $8,253,698   $   (18,786)
                       ===========     ========   ============  ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                        SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
                                  (UNAUDITED)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                                 $  8,220,076
  Adjustments to reconcile               
    net income to net cash               
    provided by operating                
    activities:                          
      Depreciation and amortization            18,380,486
      Gain on sale of rental equipment         (4,636,362)
      Deferred taxes                            3,623,614
Changes in operating assets and          
  liabilities:                           
    Accounts receivable                        (7,175,089)
    Inventory                                  (1,842,775)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets          (6,694,037)
    Accounts payable                           21,489,836
    Accrued expenses and                 
      other liabilities                        (2,543,195)
                                             ------------
      Net cash provided by operating     
        activities                             28,822,554
                                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:    
  Purchases of rental equipment               (62,722,443)
  Purchases of property and equipment         (11,519,846)
  Proceeds from sales of rental          
    equipment                                  10,464,642
  In-process acquisition costs                 (3,495,002)
 Payment of contingent purchase price          (2,255,433)
 Purchases of other companies                (369,534,206)
                                             ------------
     Net cash used in investing activities   (439,062,288)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from issuance of common
    stock, net of issuance costs              206,456,306
  Proceeds from debt                          623,776,408
  Repayments of debt                         (474,999,342)
  Payment of debt financing costs              (8,115,074)
                                            -------------
      Net cash provided by financing   
        activities                            347,118,298
                                            -------------
  Net decrease in cash and             
    cash equivalents                          (63,121,436)
  Cash and cash equivalents at         
    beginning of period                        68,607,528
                                            -------------
      Cash and cash equivalents at     
        end of period                       $   5,486,092
                                            =============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CON'T
                        SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
                                  (UNAUDITED)


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow

information:
 Cash paid during the period:
   Interest                                    $ 2,290,550
                                               ===========
   Income taxes                                $ 2,946,000
                                               ===========

Supplemental disclosure of non cash
investing and financing activities:

 During the six month period ended
 June 30, 1998 a convertible note in the
 principal amount of $200,000 was converted
 into 14,814 shares of common stock.

 The Company acquired the net assets
    and assumed certain liabilities of
    other companies as follows:

    Assets, net of cash acquired               681,724,845
    Liabilities assumed                       (264,655,908)
    Less:                                    
    Amounts paid in common stock and         
      warrants                                 (47,534,731)
                                               -----------
      Net cash paid                           $369,534,206
                                              ============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
             NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 JUNE 30, 1998

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     United Rentals, Inc. is principally a holding company ("Holdings") and
conducts its operations principally through its wholly owned subsidiary United
Rentals (North America), Inc. ("URI") and subsidiaries of URI. URI was
incorporated in August 1997, initially capitalized in September 1997 and
commenced equipment rental operations in October 1997. Holdings was incorporated
in July 1998 and became the parent of URI on August 5, 1998, pursuant to the
reorganization of the legal structure of URI described in Note 7. Prior to such
reorganization, the name of URI was United Rentals, Inc. References herein to
the "Company" refer to Holdings and its subsidiaries, with respect to periods
following the reorganization, and to URI and its subsidiaries, with respect to
periods prior to the reorganization. Separate consolidated financial statements
of URI and its subsidiaries have not been presented as they are the same as
those of the Company as of June 30, 1998 and for period then ended.

     The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein are
unaudited and, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to a
fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented.  Interim
financial statements do not require all disclosures normally presented in year-
end financial statements, and, accordingly, certain disclosures have been
omitted.  Results of operations for the six and three month periods ended June
30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for
the year ending December 31, 1998.  The Consolidated Financial Statments
included herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and related Notes thereto included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information."  SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in a primary financial
statement.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 130 during the period ended March 31,
1998.  The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not have a material effect on the
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.  

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
SFAS No. 131 establishes a new method by which companies will report operating
segment information. This method is based on the manner in which management
organizes the segments within a company for making operating decisions and
assessing performance. The Company continues to evaluate the provisions of SFAS
No. 131 and, upon adoption, the Company may report operating segments. The
Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 131 by December 31, 1998.

     In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits."
SFAS No. 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other post
retirement benefit plans but does not change the measurement or recognition of
those plans.  The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 132 by December 31,
1998.  The adoption of SFAS No. 132 is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."  SFAS No. 133
establishes a new model for accounting for derivatives and hedging activities.
The Company will adopt SFAS No. 133 beginning January 1, 2000.  The adoption of
SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.

2.   COMMON STOCK

     On March 11, 1998, the Company completed a public offering of 8,625,000
shares of Common Stock (the "Offering").  The net proceeds to the Company from
the Offering were approximately $207.4 million (after deducting the underwriting
discounts and

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
offering expenses). The Company used $132.7 million of the net proceeds from the
Offering to repay all of the then outstanding indebtedness under the Company's
credit facility and used the balance of such net proceeds for acquisitions.

     The purchase agreement relating to the acquisition of one company acquired
provides that the stock consideration paid by the Company in connection with
such acquisition is subject to adjustment based upon the trading prices of the
common stock during the 60-day period which commenced December 18, 1997. In
accordance with such provisions, the Company canceled 137,600 shares of common
stock issued by the Company in connection with such acquisition.

3.   9 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES

     In May 1998, the Company issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of
9 1/2 % Senior Subordinated Notes which are due June 1, 2008.  The Company used
$102.8 million of the net proceeds from the sale of such notes to repay all of
the then outstanding indebtedness under the Company's credit facility and used
the balance of such net proceeds from this offering for acquisitions, capital
expenditures and general corporate purposes.

4.   ACQUISITIONS

     During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Company completed the
acquisition of 45 equipment rental companies having an aggregate of 160 rental
locations in 24 states and Canada.

     The aggregate consideration paid by the Company for the acquisitions
completed during the six months ended June 30, 1998 was $429.7 million and
consisted of approximately $382.2 million in cash, 1,779,351 shares of Common
Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of Common Stock.
In addition, the Company repaid or assumed outstanding indebtedness of the
companies acquired during the six months ended June 30, 1998 in the aggregate
amount of $216.4 million. The Company also agreed in connection with eight of
the acquisitions completed during the six months ended June 30, 1998, to pay
additional amounts to the former owners based upon specified future revenues
(such amounts being limited to (i) $10.0 million, $2.0 million, $0.8 million,
$0.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.4 million and Cdn. $4.0 million, respectively,
with respect to seven of such acquisitions and (ii) an amount based on the
revenues of a single store with respect to the other acquisition).

     These acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and, accordingly,
the results of their operations have been included in the Company's results of
operations from their respective 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
acquisition dates. The purchase prices have been allocated to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at their
respective acquisition dates.

     The Company has not completed its valuation on all of its purchases and the
purchase price allocations are subject to change when additional information
concerning asset and liability valuations are completed.

     The following table summarizes, on an unaudited pro forma basis, the
combined results of operations of the Company for the six months ended June 30,
1998 as though each acquisition described above was made on January 1, 1998.

                                                Six Months Ended
                                                  June 30,1998
                                                  ------------

Revenues                                          $160,026,542
Net income                                           9,493,852
Basic earnings per share                                  0.32
Diluted earnings per share                                0.27
 

     The unaudited pro forma results are based upon certain assumptions and
estimates which are subject to change. These results are not necessarily
indicative of the actual results of operations that might have occurred, nor are
they necessarily indicative of expected results in the future.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share:

                                   SIX MONTHS       THREE MONTHS
                                      ENDED             ENDED
                                  JUNE 30, 1998     JUNE 30, 1998
                                  --------------    --------------
 
Numerator:
  Net income                        $ 8,220,076       $ 5,581,725
                                    ===========       ===========
Denominator:                                    
  Denominator for basic                         
    earnings per share                          
    weighted-average shares          29,970,357        33,702,126
  Effect of dilutive securities:                
    Employee stock options              903,311         1,705,898
    Warrants                          4,218,749         4,554,411
                                    -----------       -----------
                                                
  Dilutive potential common                     
    shares                                      
    Denominator for diluted                     
    earnings per share--                        
       adjusted weighted-average                
       shares                        35,092,417        39,962,435
                                    ===========       ===========
Basic earnings per share            $      0.27       $      0.17
                                    ===========       ===========
Diluted earnings per share          $      0.23       $      0.14
                                    ===========       ===========

6.   AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

     On June 15, 1998, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Merger Agreement") with U.S. Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("U.S.
Rentals").  The Merger Agreement provides, subject to the terms and conditions
set forth therein, for a subsidiary of the Company to be merged with and into
U.S. Rentals (the "Merger"). Following the Merger, U.S. Rentals will become a
wholly owned subsidiary of URI. At the effective time of the Merger, (i) each
outstanding share of U.S. Rentals common stock will be converted into 0.9625
shares of Common Stock of the Company (the "Exchange Ratio") and (ii) all
outstanding options to purchase shares of U.S. Rentals common stock will be
assumed by the Company and converted into options to purchase Common Stock of
United Rentals, Inc. subject to adjustment for the Exchange Ratio.  The Merger
is expected to be accounted for as a "pooling of interests" for financial
accounting purposes.  The Merger, which is subject to shareholder approvals and
other customary conditions, is expected to close before the end of September
1998.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
7.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Completed Acquisitions

     Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of 19
equipment rental companies consisting of 66 rental sites.  The aggregate
consideration paid by the Company for these acquisitions was $344.1 million and
consisted of approximately $331.4 million in cash, and 390,549 shares of Common
Stock. The Company also agreed in connection with two of the acquisitions to pay
additional amounts to the former owners based upon specified future revenues not
to exceed $0.5 million in each case.  The Company funded a portion of the cash
consideration for these acquisitions with cash on hand (including cash proceeds
from debt and equity offerings) and the balance with borrowings under the
Company's revolving credit facility.

Potential Acquisitions

     The Company has entered into definitive agreements with respect to the
acquisition (the "Pending Acquisitions") of the following companies (the
"Pending Acquisition Companies"):  Rental Tools and Equipment Co. International
Inc.; and McClinch, Inc., McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. and Grey Fox
Equipment, Inc.  The Pending Acquisition Companies have an aggregate of 32
rental locations in nine states.  Completion of the Pending Acquisitions is
subject to various conditions, and no assurance can be given that the Pending
Acquisitions will be consummated or that the Pending Acquisitions will be 
consummated on the terms contemplated by the definitive agreements. 

     The Company expects that the aggregate consideration for the Pending
Acquisition Companies will consist of (i) up to 2,090,240 shares of Common Stock
(subject to adjustment), (ii) cash of $103.2 million (subject to adjustment) and
(iii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of $0.6 million worth of Common Stock at
an exercise price per share based on the price of the Common Stock at the time
the acquisition is completed. In addition, the Company will assume approximately
$77.8 million of indebtedness. The consideration for the Pending Acquisition
Companies includes reimbursement to the shareholders of the Pending Acquisition
Companies for certain expenditures to acquire equipment and businesses and
payment for certain real estate used in the business.

Term Loan

     In July 1998, URI obtained a $250 million term loan from a group of
financial institutions (the "Term Loan").  The Term Loan matures on June 30,
2005.  URI used the net proceeds from the loan for acquisitions.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Holding Company Reorganization

     URI was formerly named United Rentals, Inc. On August 5, 1998 a
reorganization was effected pursuant to which (i) URI became a wholly owned
subsidiary of Holdings, a newly formed holding company, (ii) the name of URI was
changed from United Rentals, Inc. to United Rentals (North America), Inc., (iii)
the name of Holdings became United Rentals, Inc., (iv) the outstanding common
stock of URI was automatically converted, on a share-for-share basis, into
Common Stock of Holdings and (v) the Common Stock of Holdings commenced trading
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "URI" instead of the common
stock of URI. The purpose of the reorganization was to facilitate certain
financings. The business operations of the Company will not change as a result
of the new legal structure.

     The stockholders of Holdings have the same rights, privileges and interests
with respect to Holdings as they had with respect to URI immediately prior to
the reorganization.  Holdings has the same board of directors as URI and the
certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Holdings is the same in all material
respects as the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of URI in effect
immediately prior to the reorganization.

Issuance of 6 1/2% Convertible Quarterly Income Preferred Securities

     On August 5, 1998, a subsidiary trust (the "Trust") of Holdings issued and
sold in a private offering (the "Preferred Securities Offering")$300 million of
6 1/2% Convertible Quarterly Income Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities").  In addition, the Trust may sell up to an additional $50 million
of Preferred Securities pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the
initial purchasers of the Preferred Securities.  The Preferred Securities have
not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and,
accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration
or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Act.

     The net proceeds from the Preferred Securities Offering were approximately
$290.0 million.  The Trust used the proceeds from the Preferred Securities
Offering to purchase convertible subordinated debentures from Holdings which
resulted in Holdings receiving all of the net proceeds of the Preferred
Securities Offering. Holdings in turn contributed the net proceeds of the
Preferred Securities Offering to URI.  URI used approximately $281 million
of such net proceeds to repay the then outstanding indebtedness under the
Company's credit facility and used the balance of such net proceeds for
acquisitions.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
8.80% Senior Subordinated Notes

In August 1998, URI issued $205 million aggregate principal amount of 8.80%
Senior Subordinated Notes which are due August 15, 2008.  URI used $90.3 million
of the net proceeds from the sale of such notes to repay outstanding
indebtedness under the Company's credit facility and expects to use the balance
of such net proceeds to repay borrowings under the credit facility and expects
to use the remaining net proceeds for future acquisitions, capital expenditures
and general corporate purposes.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion reviews the Company's operations for the six and
three months ended June 30, 1998 and should be read in conjunction with the
unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto of the
Company included herein and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related
Notes thereto included in the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     The following discussion includes statements that are forward-looking in
nature.  These statements are generally identified by the inclusion of phrases
such as "the Company expects," "the Company anticipates," "the Company
believes," "the Company estimates," and other phrases of similar meaning.
Whether such statements ultimately prove to be accurate depends upon a variety
of factors that may affect the business and operations of the Company.  Certain
of these factors are discussed under the caption Item 1 - "Business-Factors that
May Influence Results and Accuracy of Forward-Looking Statements" included in
the Company's 1997 Annual Report of Form 10-K.  The information in such Annual
Report under such caption is incorporated by reference herein.

     Unless otherwise indicated, (i) the term "Holdings" refers to United
Rentals, Inc., (ii) the term "URI" refers to United Rentals (North America),
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings, and (iii) the term "the Company"
refers to Holdings and its subsidiaries. (URI and its subsidiaries with respect 
to periods prior to the reorganization described in Note 7 to the Unaudited 
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report)

GENERAL

     The Company commenced equipment rental operations in October 1997 by
acquiring six established equipment rental companies and acquired 64 additional
companies in the first eight months of 1998 (through August 14, 1998).  Of such
acquisitions, 19 were completed in the first quarter of 1998, 26 were completed
in the second quarter of 1998 and 19 thereafter. Each of the acquisitions
completed by the Company to date has been accounted for as a purchase.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
     The Company primarily derives revenues from the following sources:  (i)
equipment rental (including additional fees that may be charged for equipment
delivery, fuel, repair of rental equipment, and damage waivers), (ii) the sale
of rental equipment, (iii) the sale of new equipment, and (iv) the sale of
related merchandise and parts.

     Cost of operations consists primarily of depreciation costs associated with
rental equipment, the cost of repairing and maintaining rental equipment, the
cost of rental and new equipment sold, personnel costs, occupancy costs,
supplies, and expenses related to information systems. The Company records
rental equipment expenditures at cost and depreciates equipment using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life (which ranges from 2 to 10
years), after giving effect to an estimated salvage value of 0% to 10% of cost.

     Selling, general and administrative expense includes advertising and
marketing expenses, management salaries, and clerical and administrative
overhead.

    Non-rental depreciation and amortization includes (i) depreciation expense
associated with equipment that is not offered for rent (such as vehicles,
computers and office equipment) and amortization expense associated with
leasehold improvements and (ii) the amortization of intangible assets. The
Company's intangible assets include goodwill, which represents the excess of the
purchase price of acquired companies over the estimated fair market value of the
assets acquired.

CONSIDERATION PAID FOR ACQUISITIONS DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS
OF 1998

     The aggregate consideration paid by the Company for the acquisitions
completed during the six months ended June 30,1998 was $429.7 million and
consisted of approximately $382.2 million in cash, 1,779,351 shares of Common
Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of Common Stock.
In addition, the Company repaid or assumed outstanding indebtedness of the
companies acquired during the six months ended June 30, 1998 in the aggregate
amount of $216.4 million. The Company also agreed in connection with eight of
the acquisitions completed during the six months ended June 30, 1998, to pay
additional amounts to the former owners based upon specified future revenues
(such amounts being limited to (i) $10.0 million, $2.0 million, $0.8 million,
$0.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.4 million and Cdn. $4.0 million, respectively,
with respect to seven of such acquisitions and (ii) an amount based on the
revenues of a single store with respect to the other acquisition).

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six months ended June 30, 1998

     Revenues.  Total revenues were $127.4 million for the six months ended June
30, 1998.  Equipment rental revenues accounted for 67.6% of such revenues.

     Gross Profits.  For the six months ended June 30, 1998 the gross profit
margin was (i)41.7% from equipment rentals, (ii) 44.3% from sales of rental
equipment and (iii) 21.7% from sales of new equipment, merchandise and other
revenues.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expense.  For the six months ended June
30, 1998, selling, general and administrative expense was $25.1 million or 19.7%
of total revenues.

     Non-rental Depreciation and Amortization.  For the six months ended June
30, 1998, non-rental depreciation and amortization was $3.8 million or 3.0% of
total revenues.

     Interest Expense.  For the six months ended June 30, 1998 interest expense
was $4.9 million.

     Income Taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate for the six months 
ended June 30, 1998 was 40.9%.

Three months ended June 30, 1998

     Revenues.  Total revenues were $88.2 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1998.  Equipment rental revenues accounted for 67.3% of such revenues.

     Gross Profits.  For the three months ended June 30, 1998, the gross profit
margin was (i) 42.1% from equipment rentals, (ii) 44.0% from sales of rental
equipment and (iii) 22.6% from sales of new equipment, merchandise and other
revenues.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expense.  For the three months ended
June 30, 1998, selling, general and administrative expense was $17.3 million or
19.6% of total revenues.

     Non-rental Depreciation and Amortization.  For the three months ended June
30, 1998 non-rental depreciation and amortization was $2.7 million or 3.1% of
total revenues.

     Interest Expense. For the three months ended June 30, 1998 interest expense
was $3.8 million.

     Income Taxes.  The Company's effective income tax rate for 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
the three months ended June 30, 1998 was 40.9%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

     The Company has funded its cash requirements to date from (i) the sale of
Common Stock and warrants in private placements to the officers and directors of
the Company for aggregate consideration of $46.8 million, (ii) other sales of
Common Stock in private placements for aggregate consideration of $7.9 million,
(iii) the sale of Common Stock in the Company's initial public offering in
December 1997 and in an additional public offering in March 1998 for aggregate
consideration of $307.0 million (after deducting the underwriting discounts and
estimated offering expenses), (iv) borrowings under the Company's $300 million
revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"),(v) the sale of $200 million
aggregate principal amount of  9 1/2% senior subordinated notes (the "9 1/2%
Notes")in May 1998 for aggregate consideration of $194.5 million (after
deducting the initial purchasers' discount), (vi) the proceeds of a $250 million
term Loan that the Company received in July 1998,(vii) the sale by a subsidiary
trust of 6 1/2% convertible quarterly income preferred securities in August 1998
for aggregate consideration of $290.0 million (after deducting the initial
purchasers' discount), (viii) the sale of $205 million aggregate principal
amount of 8.80% senior subordinated notes (the "8.8% Notes") in August 1998 for
aggregate consideration of $197.5 million (after deducting the initial
purchaser's discount) and (ix) cash generated from operations and from the sale
of equipment.  For additional information concerning certain of the financings
described above, see "Certain Information Concerning Preferred Securities" and
"Certain Information Concerning the Credit Facility and Other Indebtedness."

     The Company's principal existing sources of cash are (i) borrowings
available under the Credit Facility, (ii) the portion of the net proceeds from
the sale of the 8.8% Notes that was not used for repayment of indebtedness
(approximately $105.7 million) and (iii) cash generated from operations. The
Company will require additional financing in connection with the pending merger
with U.S. Rentals as described below under "Cash Requirements Relating to the
Merger."

     The Company had cash-on-hand at the beginning of 1998 of approximately
$68.6 million, representing the net proceeds of the Company's initial public
offering not used to repay indebtedness. During the first six months of 1998,
the Company (i) generated cash from operations of approximately $28.8 million,
(ii) 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
generated cash from the sales of rental equipment of approximately $10.5 million
and (iii) had net cash from financing activities of approximately $347.1
million. The Company used cash during the first six months of 1998 principally
for acquisitions (approximately $369.5 million), to purchase rental equipment
(approximately $62.7 million) and to purchase property and equipment for the
Company's information technology system and other purposes (approximately $11.5
million). These acquisitions and purchases (and the financing thereof) were the
principal reasons for (a) the increase in accounts receivable, inventory, rental
equipment, property and equipment, and intangible assets at June 30, 1998
compared with December 31, 1997, (b) the increase in accounts payable, debt and
accrued expenses and other liabilities at June 30, 1998 compared with December
31, 1997 and (c) the decrease in cash at June 30, 1998 compared with December
31, 1997.

     The increase in prepaid expenses and other assets at June 30, 1998 compared
with December 31, 1997 primarily reflected (i) an increase in prepaid expenses
relating to the Company's operations, (ii) deferred tax assets recorded in
connection with acquisitions and (iii) certain direct costs relating to
potential or pending acquisitions that were capitalized.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
     The increase in stockholders' equity at June 30, 1998 compared with
December 31, 1997, primarily reflects (i)the public offering of Common Stock
completed by the Company in March 1998 and (ii) the issuance of an aggregate of
1,779,351 shares of Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 1998 as
part of the consideration for acquisitions.

CASH REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE MERGER

     On June 15, 1998, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
with U.S. Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("U.S. Rentals").  The Merger
Agreement provides, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, for a
subsidiary of the Company to be merged with and into U.S. Rentals (the
"Merger"). Following the Merger, U.S. Rentals will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of URI.   For additional information concerning the Merger, see Note
6 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this
Report.

     The Company estimates that it will require additional financing, in the
range of $500 million to $600 million, in order to fund the cash outlays that
will be required in connection with the Merger (as described below) and to
support the Company's operations following the Merger.  Accordingly, the Company
will seek to obtain a new revolving credit facility that will provide the
requisite additional financing.  In addition, the Company may pursue other
financing alternatives.

     The principal cash outlays that will be required in connection with the
Merger are discussed below.

     Repayment of U.S. Rentals' Credit Facility. Upon completion of the Merger,
U.S. Rentals' $300 million credit facility will terminate and U.S. Rentals will
be required to immediately repay all outstanding indebtedness thereunder. As of
August 14, 1998, there was approximately $120.0 million of indebtedness
outstanding under such credit facility.

     Prepayment of U.S. Rentals' Senior Notes. There is currently outstanding
$252 million of senior unsecured notes that were issued by U.S. Rentals.
Pursuant to the terms of such notes, U.S. Rentals may not consummate the Merger
unless it first offers to prepay such notes and, to the extent that such offer
is accepted, prepays such notes concurrently with the closing of the Merger. The
Company and U.S. Rentals are seeking to obtain waivers, which would relieve U.S.
Rentals of its obligation to make such prepayment offer and enable the Company
to assume such notes. There can be no assurance, however, that such waivers

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
will be obtained.

     Other Cash Expenditures. The Company estimates that other cash
expenditures in connection with the Merger will be in the range of $50 million
to $70 million (excluding non-cash charges of $10 million to $20 million). These
include expenditures for (i) accelerated deferred compensation for certain
employees of U.S. Rentals, (ii) severance for certain employees of U.S. Rentals
and (iii) professional fees and investment banking fees.

CASH REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PENDING ACQUISITIONS

     The Company has entered into definitive agreements with respect to the
acquisition (the "Pending Acquisitions") of the following companies (the
"Pending Acquisition Companies"):  Rental Tools and Equipment Co. International
Inc.; and McClinch, Inc., McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. and Grey Fox
Equipment, Inc. For additional information concerning the Pending Acquisitions,
see Note 7 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere
in this Report.

     The Company estimates that the cash expenditures that will be required in
order to complete the Pending Acquisitions will be approximately $177.9 million.
The Company expects to fund such expenditures through borrowings under the
Credit Facility.

GENERAL CASH REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OPERATIONS

       The Company is seeking to obtain a new credit facility (as described
above) that will provide the additional financing that the Company will require
as a result of the Merger.  Assuming that the Company obtains this new credit
facility, the Company estimates that its available sources of cash (consisting
of borrowings available under such credit facility, the proceeds from the sale
of the 8.80% Notes that were not used for repayment of indebtedness and cash
generated from operations) will be sufficient for at least 12 months to fund the
cash required for (i) the existing operations of the Company (ii) the existing
operations of U.S. Rentals to be acquired in the Merger and (iii) the operations
to be acquired upon completion of the Pending Acquisitions.  However, new
acquisitions (other than the Pending Acquisitions) and start-up locations that
are not currently under development may require additional financing as
discussed below.

     The Company expects its principal needs for cash relating to its operations
will be to fund (i) operating activities and 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
working capital, (ii) the purchase of rental equipment on an ongoing basis to
maintain the quality and competitiveness of its existing rental equipment, (iii)
the purchase of equipment required to expand and modernize the rental equipment
at certain locations, (iv) the purchase of equipment and other items required to
maintain sufficient inventory of the new equipment and related merchandise and
parts that the Company offers for sale and (v) interest expense.

     The Company estimates that equipment expenditures over the next 12 months
will be in the range of $365 million to $415 million for (i) the existing
operations of the Company, (ii) the existing operations of U.S. Rentals to be
acquired in the Merger and (iii) the operations to be acquired upon completion
of the Pending Acquisitions.  In addition, the Company expects that it will be
required to make equipment expenditures in connection with new acquisitions.
The Company cannot quantify at this time the amount of equipment expenditures
that will be required in connection with new acquisitions.

     Principal elements of the Company's strategy include continued expansion
through a disciplined acquisition program and the opening of new rental
locations.  The Company expects to pay for future acquisitions using cash,
capital stock, notes and/or assumption of indebtedness.  The Company expects
that it will require additional financing for future acquisitions and,
consequently, the Company's indebtedness may increase as the Company implements
its growth strategy. There can be no assurance, however, that any additional
financing will be available or, if available, will be on terms satisfactory to
the Company.

     The Company is in the process of developing four start-up locations.  In
addition, U.S. Rentals is in the process of developing two start-up locations.
The Company estimates that the aggregate costs associated with such start-up
locations will be in the range of $5 million to $9 million (including
expenditures of approximately $0.5 million incurred to date).

     The Company has recently installed a new integrated information technology
system. The cost of installing such system was approximately $7.4 million. The
Company estimates that the cost of extending the system to the locations to be
acquired 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
through the Merger with U.S. Rentals and completion of the Pending Acquisitions
will be approximately $4.8 million. The Company's software vendors have advised
the Company that the system is year 2000 compliant.

     Based upon the terms of the Company's currently outstanding indebtedness
(including currently outstanding indebtedness of U.S. Rentals that will be
assumed in the Merger), the Company is scheduled to repay approximately $1.2
million of indebtedness during the balance of 1998 and $3.7 million during 1999.
(Such amounts are in addition to the amounts that the Company will be required
to repay in connection with the Merger).  In addition, the Company may be
required at any time to repay a $21 million demand note that the Company will
assume in connection with the Merger.

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING PREFERRED SECURITIES

     On August 5, 1998, a subsidiary trust (the "Trust") of Holdings sold in a
private offering (the "Preferred Securities Offering") $300 million of 6 1/2%
Convertible Quarterly Income Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities").
In addition, the Trust may sell up to an additional $50 million of Preferred
Securities pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the initial
purchasers of the Preferred Securities.  The Preferred Securities have not been
registered under the Act and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the
United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the
registration requirements under the Act.

     The net proceeds from the Preferred Securities Offering were approximately
$290.0 million.  The Trust used the proceeds from the Preferred Securities
Offering to purchase convertible subordinated debentures from Holdings which
resulted in Holdings receiving all of the proceeds of the Preferred Securities
Offering.  Holdings in turn contributed the net proceeds of the Preferred
Securities Offering to its wholly owned subsidiary URI. URI has used
approximately $281 million of such net proceeds to repay outstanding
indebtedness under the Credit Facility and has used the balance of such net
proceeds for acquisitions.

     The preferred securities are convertible into Common Stock of the Company
at a conversion price equivalent to $43.63 per share.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING CREDIT FACILITY AND OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

     Set forth below is certain information concerning the Credit Facility and
certain other indebtedness of URI. The Credit Facility contains certain
covenants that require URI to, among other things, satisfy certain financial
tests relating to: (a) maintenance of minimum net worth, (b) the ratio of funded
debt to net worth, (c) interest coverage ratio (d) funded debt to cash flow, (e)
the ratio of funded debt to cash flow, and (f) the ratio of senior debt to
tangible assets. The agreements governing the Credit Facility and such other
indebtedness contain various other covenants (which vary from agreement to
agreement) that restrict URI's ability to, among other things, (i) incur
additional indebtedness, (ii) permit liens to attach to its assets, (iii) pay
dividends or make other restricted payments on its common stock and certain
other securities and (iv) make acquisitions unless certain financial conditions
are satisfied. In addition, the agreement governing the Credit Facility and the
agreement governing the Term Loan described below (a) require URI to maintain
certain financial ratios and (b) provide that failure by any two of Messrs.
Jacobs, Milne, Nolan and Miner to continue to hold executive positions with URI
for a period of 30 consecutive days constitutes an event of default unless
replacement officers satisfactory to the lenders are appointed.

     Existing Credit Facility.  The Credit Facility is with a group of financial
institutions, for which Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association
acts as U.S. agent and Bank of America Canada acts as Canadian agent.  Set forth
below is certain information concerning the terms of the Credit Facility.  As
described above, the Company is seeking to obtain a new credit facility that
will increase the Company's borrowing capacity.  The terms of such new credit
facility may be different than the terms of the existing Credit Facility.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
     The Credit Facility enables URI to borrow up to $300 million on a revolving
basis and permits the Canadian Subsidiary to directly borrow up to $40 million
under the Credit Facility (provided that the aggregate borrowings of the Company
and the Canadian Subsidiary do not exceed $300 million).  Up to $10 million of
the Credit Facility is available in the form of letters of credit.  The Credit
Facility terminates on March 30, 2001, at which time all outstanding
indebtedness is due. The amount of indebtedness outstanding under the Credit
Facility was $173.0 million at June 30, 1998, and there was no outstanding
indebtedness at August 14, 1998(not including undrawn outstanding letters of
credit in the amount of $1.4 million).

     Borrowings by URI under the Credit Facility accrue interest at URI's
option, at either (a) the Base Rate (which is equal to the greater of (i) the
Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% and (ii) Bank of America's reference rate) or (b)
the Eurodollar Rate (which for borrowings by URI is equal to Bank of America's
reserve adjusted eurodollar rate) plus a margin ranging from 0.950% to 1.625%
per annum.   Borrowings by the Canadian Subsidiary under the Credit Facility
accrue interest, at such subsidiary's option, at either (x) the Prime Rate
(which is equal to Bank of America Canada's prime rate), (y) the BA Rate (which
is equal to Bank of America Canada's BA Rate) plus a margin ranging from 0.950%
to 1.625% per annum or (z) the Eurodollar Rate (which for borrowing by the
Canadian Subsidiary is equal to Bank of America Canada's reserve adjusted
Eurodollar Rate) plus a margin ranging from 0.95% to 1.625% per annum.  If at
any time an event of default (as defined in the agreement governing the Credit
Facility) exists, the interest rate applicable to each loan will increase by 2%
per annum.  The Company is also required to pay the banks an annual facility fee
equal to 0.375% of the banks' $300 million aggregate lending commitment under
the Credit Facility (which fee may be reduced to 0.300% for periods during which
the Company maintains a specified funded debt to cash flow ratio).

     The obligations of URI under the Credit Facility are secured by
substantially all of its assets, the stock of its United States subsidiaries and
a portion of the stock of the Company's Canadian subsidiaries.  The obligations
of the Canadian

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiary under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by URI and secured by
substantially all of the assets of the Canadian Subsidiary and the stock of the
subsidiaries of the Canadian Subsidiary.

     Term Loan.  In July 1998, URI obtained a $250 million term loan from a
group of financial institutions. The Term Loan matures on  June 30, 2005.  Prior
to maturity, quarterly installments of principal in the amount of $625,000 are
due on the last day of each calendar quarter, commencing September 30, 1999. The
amount due at maturity is $235,625,000.  The Term Loan accrues interest, at
URI's option, at either (a) the Base Rate (as defined above with respect to the
Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0% to 0.5% per annum, or (b) the
Eurodollar Rate (as defined above with respect to the Credit Facility for
borrowings by URI) plus a margin ranging from 1.875% to 2.375% per annum.  The
Term Loan is secured pari passu with the Credit Facility.  The agreement
governing the Term Loan contains restrictive covenants substantially similar to
those provided by the Credit Facility.

     9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes.  In May 1998, the Company issued $200
million aggregate principal amount of 9 1/2% Notes which are due June 1, 2008.

     8.80% Senior Subordinated Notes. In August 1998, URI issued $205 million
aggregate principal amount of 8.80% Notes which are due August 15, 2008.  URI
expects to use the net proceeds for future acquisitions, capital expenditures
and general corporate purposes.  The agreement governing the 8.80% Senior
Subordinated Notes contain restrictions substantially similar to those of the 9
1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes.

     The 9 1/2% Notes and 8.80% Notes have not been registered under the Act
and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent
registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of
the Act.

FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS

     The Company expects that its revenues and operating results may fluctuate
from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, 

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
including: seasonal rental patterns of the Company's customers (with rental
activity tending to be lower in the winter); changes in general economic
conditions in the Company's markets; the timing of acquisitions and the opening
of start-up locations and related costs; the effect of the integration of
acquired businesses and start-up locations; the timing of expenditures for new
equipment and the disposition of used equipment; and price changes in response
to competitive factors.

     The Company is continually involved in the investigation and evaluation of
potential acquisitions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, the Company capitalizes certain direct out-of-pocket expenditures
(such as legal and accounting fees)relating to potential or pending
acquisitions. Indirect acquisition costs, such as executive salaries, general
corporate overhead, public affairs and other corporate services, are expensed as
incurred. The Company's policy is to charge against earnings any capitalized
expenditures relating to any potential or pending acquisition that the Company
determines will not be consummated. There can be no assurance that the Company
in future periods will not be required to incur a charge against earnings in
accordance with such policy, which charge, depending upon the magnitude thereof,
could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

     The Company will be required to incur significant start-up expenses in
connection with establishing each start-up location. Such expenses may include,
among others, pre-opening expenses related to setting up the facility, training
employees, installing information systems and marketing. The Company expects
that in general start-up locations will initially operate at a loss or at less
than normalized profit levels. Consequently, the opening of a start-up location
may negatively impact the Company's margins until the location achieves
normalized profitability.

     There may be a lag between the time that the Company purchases new
equipment and begins to incur the related depreciation and interest expenses and
the time that the equipment begins to generate revenues at normalized rates. As
a result, the purchase of new equipment, particularly equipment purchased in
connection with expanding and diversifying the Company's rental equipment, may
periodically reduce margins.

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND INFLATION

     The Company's operating results may be adversely affected by (i) changes in
general economic conditions, including national, regional and local changes in
construction and industrial activity, (ii) increases in interest rates that may
result in a higher cost of capital to the Company, or (iii) adverse weather
conditions that may decrease construction and other industrial activity.
Although the Company cannot accurately anticipate the effect of inflation on its
operations, the Company believes that inflation has not had, and is not likely
in the foreseeable future to have, a material impact on its results of
operations.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board Issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in a primary financial
statement. The Company adopted SFAS No. 130 during the period ended March 31,
1998. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not have a material effect on the
consolidated financial position results of operations or cash flows of the
Company. SFAS No. 131 establishes a new method by which companies will report
operating segment information. This method is based on the manner in which
management organizes the segments within a company for making operating
decisions and assessing performance. The Company continues to evaluate the
provisions of SFAS No. 131 and, upon adoption, the Company may report operating
segments. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 131 by December 31, 1998.

     In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits."
SFAS No. 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other post
retirement benefit plans but does not change the measurement or recognition of
those plans.  The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 132 by December 31,
1998.  The adoption of SFAS No. 132 is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."  SFAS No. 133
establishes a new model for accounting for derivatives and hedging activities.
The Company will adopt SFAS No. 133 beginning January 1, 2000.  The adoption of
SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
PART II   OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2    CHANGES IN SECURITIES

Sale of Unregistered Securities

     Set forth below is certain information concerning sales by the Company of
unregistered securities during the second quarter of 1998. The issuances by the
Company of the securities sold in the transaction referenced below were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to the exemption
contemplated by Section 4(2) thereof for transactions not involving a public
offering.

                                                SHARES
MONTH                                           ISSUED
- -----                                           -------
         
April                                           322,721
May                                              49,916
June                                            505,740
                                                -------
  Total                                         878,377
                                                =======
 

     Of the shares indicated above, (i) 866,976 shares were issued as partial
consideration in connection with nine acquisitions, (ii) 9,299 shares were
issued pursuant to a consulting agreement with a former owner and (iii) 2,102
shares were issued pursuant to an employment agreement with an executive
officer.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6         EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


(a)     Exhibits:

1.1     Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 15, 1998, among the
        Company, UL Acquisition Corporation and U.S. Rentals, Inc. (incorporated
        by reference to exhibit 2(a) to the Company's Registration Statement on
        Form S-4, Registration No. 333-60467).

2.2     Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 31, 1998, to the Agreement and Plan of
        Merger filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto.

2.3     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 5, 1998, among United
        Rentals, Inc., United Rentals Holdings, Inc. and United Rentals Merger
        Co., Inc.

3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Rentals,
        Inc., in effect as of the date hereof.

3.2     By-laws of United Rentals, Inc., in effect as of the date hereof.

3.3     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Rentals
        (North America), Inc., in effect as of the date hereof.

3.4     By-laws of United Rentals (North America), Inc., in effect as of the
        date hereof.

4.1     Indenture dated May 22, 1998, among the Company, the Guarantors named
        therein and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as trustee
        (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4(b) to the Company's Registration
        Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-60467).

4.2     Notes Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 22, 1998, among the
        Company, Merrill Lynch & Co. and the other initial purchasers named
        therein (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4(c) to the Company's
        Registration Statement on 

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
        Form S-4, Registration No. 333-60467).

10.1    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 9, 1998, among the Company
        and Shareholders of Power Rental Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to
        exhibit 10 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 1998).

10.2    The following agreements, (i) Third Amended and Restated Credit
        Agreement dated as of May 12, 1998, between the Company, various
        financial institutions, Bank of America Canada, as Canadian agent, and
        Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as U.S. agent
        and (ii) First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
        dated as of July 10, 1998 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10(a) to
        the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-
        60467).

10.3    Purchase Agreement dated May 19, 1998 relating to the initial sale of 9
        1/2% Notes (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10(bb) to the Company's
        Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-60467).

10.4    Term Loan Agreement dated as of July 10, 1998 among the Company, various
        financial institutions and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
        Association, as Agent(incorporated by reference to exhibit 10(cc) to the
        Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-
        60467).

10.5    Agreement among the Company, United Rentals of New Jersey, Inc., HR
        Merger Corp., SMSV Acquisition Corp., Equipment Supply Company, Inc.,
        High Reach Co., Inc., Space Maker of Va., Inc. and the Stockholders of
        Rylan, Inc., High Reach Co., Inc. and Space Maker Systems of Va., Inc.,
        dated as of June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10(dd)
        to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No.
        333-60467)

27      Financial Data Schedule

99.1    Information that appears in the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
        year ended December 31, 1997 under Item 1 - "Business -Factors that May
        Influence Future Results and 

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
        Accuracy of Forward-Looking Statements."

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K:


(1)     Form 8-K dated June 18, 1998 (earliest event reported June 9, 1998) as
        amended by a Form 8K/A dated July 21,1998; Items 2 and 7 were reported.
        The Form 8-K/A includes (a) The financial statements of Power Rental
        Co., Inc., and (b)Pro Forma consolidated financial statements of the
        Company.

(2)     Form 8-K Dated June 19, 1998 (earliest event reported June 15, 1998);
        Item 5 was reported.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                               UNITED RENTALS, INC.



Dated:  August 14, 1998        By:  Michael J. Nolan
        ---------------             ----------------
                               Michael J. Nolan
                               Chief Financial Officer
                               (Principal Financial Officer)

Dated:  August 14, 1998        By:  Sandra E. Welwood
        ---------------             -----------------
                               Sandra E. Welwood
                               Vice President,
                               Corporate Controller
                               (Chief Accounting Officer)

 

                                       35

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 2.2

                AMENDMENT No. 1 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                -----------------------------------------------

     AMENDMENT No. 1, dated as of July 31, 1998 (this "Amendment"), to that
                                                       ---------           
certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 1998 (the
"Agreement"), among U.S. Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("USR"), United
 ---------                                                       ---          
Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("URI"), and UR Acquisition Corporation, a
                                        ---                                     
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of URI ("Merger Sub").
                                                            ----------   

     WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of USR, URI and Merger
Sub have previously approved the Merger contemplated by the Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Agreement, the respective Boards of
Directors of USR, URI and Merger Sub have determined to amend certain provisions
of the Agreement as set forth in this Amendment in order to allow for URI to
effect a reorganization pursuant to which (i) URI will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of United Rentals Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed by
URI for the purpose of becoming the holding company for URI ("Holdco"), (ii) the
                                                              ------            
name of Holdco will be changed to "United Rentals, Inc." and the name of URI
will be changed to "United Rentals (North America), Inc." and (iii) the
outstanding capital stock of URI will be automatically converted, on a share-
for-share basis, into capital stock of Holdco (collectively, the
"Reorganization").
 --------------   

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, USR, URI and Merger Sub hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Defined Terms.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in
          -------------                                                      
this Amendment have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

     2.   Reorganization.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
          --------------                                                  
Agreement (including, without limitation, Sections 4.1, 5.7 and 8.7 thereof),
USR hereby consents to the Reorganization.  It is understood and agreed that the
Reorganization shall not constitute an Acquisition Proposal with respect to URI.
<PAGE>
 
     3.  Certain Terms Used in the Agreement.  Commencing upon consummation of
         -----------------------------------                                  
the Reorganization, references in the Agreement to (a) "URI" shall be deemed
references to Holdco, and (b) "URI Common Stock" shall be deemed references to
the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Holdco.

     4.   Assignment.  The parties to the Agreement hereby consent, pursuant to
          ----------                                                           
Section 8.7 thereof, to (a) the assignment (i) by URI of its rights and
obligations under the Agreement to Holdco and (ii) by Merger Sub of its rights
and obligations under the Agreement to any wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco,
and (b) the transfer by URI of the capital stock of Merger Sub to Holdco.  By
its execution hereof, Holdco hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Agreement effective upon consummation of the Reorganization, and the parties to
the Agreement hereby agree that upon consummation of the Reorganization all
rights and benefits of URI under the Agreement shall inure to and be enforceable
by Holdco.  Upon any assignment described in the foregoing clause (a)(ii), the
assignee shall execute a counterpart signature page to the Agreement and deliver
the same to the other parties thereto, whereupon such assignee shall become a
party to the Agreement and all rights and benefits of the assignor under the
Agreement shall inure to and be enforceable by the assignee.

     5.   Representations.  USR hereby represents and warrants to URI and Merger
          ---------------                                                       
Sub, and URI and Merger Sub each hereby represents and warrants to USR, that (a)
it has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Amendment, (b) the execution and delivery of this Amendment have been duly and
validly authorized by all requisite corporate proceedings, (c) it has duly and
validly executed and delivered this Amendment and (d) this Amendment constitutes
its valid, legal and binding agreement, enforceable against it in accordance
with its terms, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

     6.   Effect of Amendment.  As amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain
          -------------------                                                
and continue in full force and effect pursuant to its terms, and USR, URI and
Merger Sub hereby confirm all of the terms of the Agreement, as amended hereby.
All references in the Agreement to representations, warranties, covenants,
agreements, conditions and other provisions shall be deemed to reflect the
modifications made by this Amendment.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     7.  Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in
         -------------                                                       
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.

     8.   Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more
          ------------                                                
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                            [signature page follows]

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to be duly
executed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the
                       day and year first written above.

                              U.S. RENTALS, INC.


                              By:__________________________________
                              Name:
                              Title:


                              UNITED RENTALS, INC. (to be renamed United Rentals
                              (North America), Inc. upon consummation of the
                              Reorganization described in this Amendment)



                              By:__________________________________
                              Name:
                              Title:


                              UR ACQUISITION CORPORATION



                              By:__________________________________
                              Name:
                              Title:


                              UNITED RENTALS HOLDINGS, INC. (to be renamed
                              United Rentals, Inc. upon consummation of the

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                              Reorganization described in this Amendment)



                              By:__________________________________
                              Name:
                              Title:

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.3

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

            AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Agreement"), dated as of August 5,
1998, among United Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), United
Rentals Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("URH") and a direct,
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and United Rentals Merger Co., Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Mergeco") and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of URH.

                                    RECITALS

            WHEREAS, as of the close of business on August 4, 1998, the
authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of (i) 75,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Company Common Stock"), of which
34,535,967 shares were issued and outstanding, 4,429,775 shares were reserved
for issuance under the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan, 6,519,058 shares were
reserved for issuance in connection with the Company's outstanding warrants,
16,133 shares were reserved for issuance in connection with the Company's 7.0%
convertible notes due October 2002, and no shares were held in treasury, and
(ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which
none is outstanding.

            WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of URH
consists of (i) 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share
("URH Common Stock"), of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding and no
shares are held in treasury, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of which none is outstanding.

            WHEREAS, the designations, rights, powers and preferences, and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of the URH Common Stock
are the same as those of the Company Common Stock.

            WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation and the By-laws of URH
immediately after the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined) will contain
provisions identical to 
<PAGE>
 
the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Company
immediately before the Effective Time (other than with respect to matters
excepted by Section 251(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware (the "DGCL")).

            WHEREAS, the directors of the Company immediately prior to the
Merger (as hereinafter defined) will be the directors of URH as of the Effective
Time.

            WHEREAS, URH and Mergeco are newly formed corporations organized for
the purpose of participating in the transactions herein contemplated.

            WHEREAS, the Company desires to create a new holding company
structure by merging Mergeco with and into the Company with the Company being
the surviving corporation (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving
Corporation"), and converting each outstanding share of Company Common Stock
into one share of URH Common Stock, all in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.

            WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of URH, Mergeco and the Company
have approved this Agreement and the merger of Mergeco with and into the Company
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (the
"Merger").

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants
and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the Company, URH and Mergeco hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER

            Section 1.1 The Merger. In accordance with Section 251(g) of the
DGCL and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Mergeco
shall, at the Effective Time, be merged with and into the Company, the separate
corporate existence of Mergeco shall cease and the Company shall continue as the
surviving corporation. The Company as the surviving corporation after the Merger
is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving 


                                        2
<PAGE>
 
Corporation." At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as
provided in Section 259 of the DGCL.

            Section 1.2 Effective Time. The Merger shall become effective upon
the filing, on or after the date hereof and on or before August 5, 1998, of a
copy of this Agreement with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the
time of such filing being referred to herein as the "Effective Time").

            Section 1.3 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation. From and after the Effective Time, the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided by law; provided,
however, that, from and after the Effective Time:

            (a) Article I thereof shall be amended so as to read in its entirety
as follows:

            "The name of the Corporation is United Rentals (North America),
Inc."

            (b) Article III thereof shall be amended so as to read in its
entirety as follows:

            "The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue shall be three thousand (3,000), consisting of three thousand
(3,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share."

            (c) A new Article XI shall be added thereto which shall be and read
in its entirety as follows:

            "Any act or transaction by or involving the Corporation that
requires for its adoption under the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware or this certificate of incorporation the approval of the stockholders
of the Corporation shall, by virtue of this reference to Section 251(g) of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, require, in addition, the
approval of the stockholders of United Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or
any successor thereto by merger, by the same vote that is required by the
General Corporation Law of the 


                                        3
<PAGE>
 
State of Delaware and/or the certificate of incorporation of this Corporation."

            Section 1.4 By-laws. From and after the Effective Time, the By-laws
of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be
the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided
therein or by applicable law.

            Section 1.5 Directors. The directors of the Company immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial directors of the Surviving
Corporation and will hold office from the Effective Time until their successors
are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation and the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation or as
otherwise provided by law.

            Section 1.6 Officers. The officers of the Company immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation
and will hold office from the Effective Time until their successors are duly
elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in the Certificate of
Incorporation and the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation or as otherwise
provided by law.

            Section 1.7 Additional Actions. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement, the parties hereto shall take all such reasonable and lawful action
as may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the Merger. If, at any
time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be
advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other
actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm, of
record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest
in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of either of Mergeco or
the Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result
of, or in connection with, the Merger or otherwise to carry out this Agreement,
the officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and
deliver, in the name and on behalf of each of Mergeco and the Company, all such
deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name
and on behalf of each of Mergeco and the Company or otherwise, all such other
actions 


                                        4
<PAGE>
 
and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and
all right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets
in the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

            Section 1.8 Conversion of Securities. At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of URH, Mergeco, the
Company or the holder of any of the following securities:

            (a) Each issued and outstanding share of URH Common Stock owned of
record by the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled
and retired without payment of any consideration therefor and shall cease to
exist and no Company Common Stock or other consideration shall be delivered in
exchange for any such URH Common Stock.

            (b) Each share or fraction of a share of Company Common Stock issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into
one, or an equal fraction of one, duly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
share of URH Common Stock.

            (c) Each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
Mergeco issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted into and thereafter represent one duly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.

            (d) From and after the Effective Time, holders of certificates
formerly evidencing Company Common Stock shall cease to have any rights as
stockholders of the Company, except as provided by law; provided, however, that
such holders shall have the rights set forth in Section 1.9 herein.

            Section 1.9 No Surrender of Certificates; Stock Transfer Books. At
the Effective Time, the designations, rights, powers and preferences, and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of the capital stock of
URH, will, in each case, be identical with those of the Company immediately
prior to the Effective Time. Accordingly, until thereafter surrendered for
transfer or exchange in the ordinary course, each outstanding 


                                        5
<PAGE>
 
certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, evidenced Company
Common Stock shall, from the Effective Time, be deemed and treated for all
corporate purposes to evidence the ownership of the same number of shares of URH
Common Stock.

            Section 1.10 Certificate of Incorporation of URH. The Company hereby
consents to the use of the name "United Rentals, Inc." by URH from and after the
Effective Time. URH shall, at the Effective Time or immediately thereafter, file
an Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware changing the corporate name of URH to "United Rentals,
Inc."

                                   ARTICLE II
                             ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN
                           CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER

            Section 2.1 Assumption of Plan. URH and the Company hereby agree
that they will, at the Effective Time, execute, acknowledge and deliver an
assumption agreement pursuant to which URH will, from and after the Effective
Time, assume and agree to perform all obligations of the Company pursuant to (x)
the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").

            Section 2.2 Reservation of Shares. On or prior to the Effective
Time, URH will reserve sufficient shares of URH Common Stock to provide for the
issuance of URH Common Stock upon exercise of options outstanding under the
Plan, exercise of all outstanding warrants, in connection with the acquisitions
of U.S. Rentals, Inc., Rental Tools and Equipment Co. International, Inc.,
McClinch, Inc., McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. and Grey Fox Equipment, Inc.,
and in connection with the 7.0% convertible notes due October 2002.


                                        6
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE III
                              CONDITIONS OF MERGER

            Section 3.1 Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the parties to
this Agreement to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall be subject to fulfillment or waiver by the parties hereto
at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions:

            (a) The URH Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger shall
have been approved for listing, upon official notice of issuance, by the New
York Stock Exchange.

            (b) No order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
injunction, stay, decree, judgment or restraining order that is in effect shall
have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or governmental
or regulatory authority or instrumentality which prohibits or makes illegal the
consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby.

            (c) Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, special tax counsel to the Company,
shall not have withdrawn its opinion that holders of the Company Common Stock
will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as
a result of the Merger.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    COVENANTS

            Section 4.1 Election of Directors. Prior to the Effective Time, the
Company, in its capacity as the sole stockholder of URH, will, if necessary to
comply with Section 251(g) of the DGCL, remove each of the then directors of
URH, cause the board of directors of URH to effect such amendments to the bylaws
of URH as are necessary to increase the number of directors of URH to equal the
number of directors of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, and
elect each person who is then a member of the board of directors of the Company
as a director of URH, each of whom shall serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders of URH and until his successor shall have been elected and
qualified.


                                         7
<PAGE>
 
            Section 4.2 Listing of URH Common Stock. URH will use its best
efforts to obtain, at or before the Effective Time, authorization to list, upon
official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange URH Common Stock
issuable pursuant to the Merger.

            Section 4.3 The Plan. The Company and URH will take or cause to be
taken all actions necessary or desirable in order for URH to assume the Plan and
to assume (or become a participating employer in) each other existing employee
benefit plan and agreement of the Company, with or without amendments, or to
adopt comparable plans, all to the extent deemed appropriate by the Company and
URH and permitted under applicable law.

                                    ARTICLE V
                            TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

            Section 5.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the
Merger contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective
Time by action of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Board of Directors
of URH or the Board of Directors of Mergeco if such Board of Directors should
determine that for any reason the completion of the transactions provided for
herein would be inadvisable or not in the best interest of such corporation or
its stockholders. In the event of such termination and abandonment, this
Agreement shall become void and neither the Company, URH or Mergeco nor their
respective stockholders, directors or officers shall have any liability with
respect to such termination and abandonment.

            Section 5.2 Amendment. This Agreement may be supplemented, amended
or modified by the mutual consent of the Boards of Directors of the parties to
this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.


                                        8
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

            Section 6.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware.

            Section 6.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original
but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

            Section 6.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the
documents and instruments referred to herein, constitutes the entire agreement
and supersedes all other prior agreements and undertakings, both written and
oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter
hereof.


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, URH, Mergeco and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.

                                    UNITED RENTALS, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Sandra E. Welwood
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Name:  Sandra E. Welwood
                                         Title: Vice President

                                    UNITED RENTALS HOLDINGS, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Sandra E. Welwood
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Name:  Sandra E. Welwood
                                         Title: Vice President

                                    UNITED RENTALS MERGER CO., INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Sandra E. Welwood
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Name:  Sandra E. Welwood
                                         Title: Vice President


                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                          CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY
                                       OF
                         UNITED RENTALS MERGER CO., INC.

            I, John N. Milne, the Secretary of United Rentals Merger Co., Inc.,
hereby certify that the Agreement and Plan of Merger to which this certificate
is attached, after having been first duly signed on behalf of the corporation by
the Vice President under the corporate seal of said corporation, was duly
approved and adopted by written consent of the sole shareholder of United
Rentals Merger Co., Inc. on August 5, 1998.

            Witness my hand and seal of said United Rentals Merger Co., Inc. on
August 5, 1998.

                                         /s/ John N. Milne
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Name:  John N. Milne
                                                Secretary


                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY
                                          OF
                                 UNITED RENTALS, INC.

            I, John N. Milne, the Secretary of United Rentals, Inc., hereby
certify that the Agreement and Plan of Merger to which this certificate is
attached has been adopted pursuant to Section 251(g) of the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware and that the conditions of the first sentence of
such subsection have been met.

            Witness my hand and seal of said United Rentals, Inc. on August 5,
1998.

                                         /s/ John N. Milne
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Name:  John N. Milne
                                                Secretary


                                       12

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1

 
                AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                          UNITED RENTALS HOLDINGS, INC.

            United Rentals Holdings, Inc., a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), hereby certifies as
follows:

            1. The name of the corporation is United Rentals Holdings, Inc. The
original Certificate of Incorporation (the "Original Certificate") of the
Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on
July 20, 1998.

            2. Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates
and integrates and further amends the provisions of the Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation.

            3. The terms and provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation have been duly adopted pursuant to the provisions of Sections
242 and 245 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

            4. The text of the Original Certificate is hereby restated and
further amended to read in its entirety as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.

            The name of the Corporation is United Rentals, Inc.

                                   ARTICLE II.

            The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of
Delaware is United Corporate Services, Inc., 15 East North Street, Dover,
Delaware 19901, County of Kent. The name of its registered agent at such address
is United Corporate Services, Inc.

                                  ARTICLE III.

            A. The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be
designated, respectively, "Common Stock" and 
<PAGE>
 
"Preferred Stock". The amount of the total authorized capital stock of the
Corporation is 80,000,000 shares, divided into (a) 75,000,000 shares of Common
Stock having a par value of $0.01 per share, and (b) 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock having a par value of $0.01 per share.

            B. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
more series. Subject to the restrictions prescribed by law, the Board of
Directors is authorized to fix by resolution or resolutions the number of shares
of any series of Preferred Stock and to determine or alter the rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon any wholly
unissued series of Preferred Stock and, within the limits and restrictions
stated in any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors originally
fixing the number of shares constituting any series of Preferred Stock, to
increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred
Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of any such series then
outstanding) the number of shares of any such series subsequent to the issue of
shares of that series.

            The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series
of Preferred Stock shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the
following: (a) the number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive
designation of that series; (b) the dividend rate on the shares of that series,
whether dividends shall be cumulative, and if so, from which date or dates, and
the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of
that series; (c) whether that series shall have voting rights in addition to the
voting rights provided by law, and if so, the terms of such voting rights; (d)
whether that series shall have conversion privileges, and if so, the terms and
conditions of such privileges, including provision for adjustment of the
conversion rate in such events as the Board of Directors shall determine; (e)
whether or not the shares of that series shall be redeemable, and if so, the
terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or
after which they shall be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case
of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different
redemption dates; (f) whether that series shall have a sinking fund for the
redemption or purchase of shares of that series, and if so, the terms and the
amount of such sinking funds; (g) the rights of the shares of that series in the
event of voluntary or involuntary 

                                        2
<PAGE>
 
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and the relative
rights of priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series; and (h) any
other relative rights, preferences and limitations of that series.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

            The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the
Delaware General Corporation Law.

                                   ARTICLE V.

            A. By-Laws. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers
conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make,
adopt, alter, amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation. Any By-Laws made
by the directors under the powers conferred hereby may be amended or repealed by
the directors or by the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything
contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the
contrary, the By-Laws shall not be amended or repealed by the stockholders, and
no provision inconsistent therewith shall be adopted by the stockholders,
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting
power of all shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class.

               B. Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any
other provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and notwithstanding that a lesser percentage may be specified by
law, the By-Laws or otherwise, this Article V and Articles VI, VII, VIII and IX
of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall not be amended
or repealed, and no provision inconsistent therewith or providing for cumulative
voting in the election of directors shall be adopted, unless such adoption,
amendment or repeal is approved by the affirmative vote of holders of at least
66-2/3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote generally for the election of directors.


                                        3
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI.

            The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by and
under the direction of the Board of Directors (the "Board"). The Board may
exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful
acts and things as are not by statute or this Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the
stockholders.

            A. Number of Directors. The number of directors comprising the
entire Board shall, subject to the right, if any, of holders of Preferred Stock
to elect directors under specified circumstances, be such number as may be fixed
from time to time exclusively by the Board by action of a majority of the
directors then in office. If the number of directors at any time is fixed at
three or greater, then thereafter in no event shall such number be fewer than
three or greater than nine, unless approved by action of not less than
two-thirds of the directors then in office. No director need be a stockholder.

            B. Classes and Terms of Directors. The directors shall be divided
into three classes (I, II and III). The number of directors comprising each
class (assuming no vacancy in any class) shall be as nearly equal in number as
possible based upon the number of directors comprising the entire Board. The
Board shall, at or before the first meeting of the Board following the Effective
Time (as that term is defined in the document titled "Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of United System, Inc." filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on September 11, 1997), designate the class to which each
director then serving shall be a member. The initial term of the directors in
Class I shall extend until the first annual meeting of stockholders following
the Effective Time; the initial term of the directors in Class II shall extend
until the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time;
and the initial term of the directors in Class III shall extend until the third
annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time. At each annual
meeting of stockholders, successors to directors of the class whose term expires
at such meeting will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their
successors are elected and qualified.


                                        4
<PAGE>
 
            C. Newly-Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to the rights
of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly
created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors or
any vacancies in the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or any other cause may be filled by the
Board (and not by the stockholders unless there are no directors then in
office), provided that a quorum is then in office and present, or by a majority
of the directors then in office, if less than a quorum is then in office, or by
the sole remaining director. A director elected to fill a newly created
directorship or other vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full
term of the class of directors in which the new directorship was created or the
vacancy occurred and until such director's successor has been elected and
qualified.

            D. Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any
class or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, the directors or any
director may be removed from office any time, but only for cause, at a meeting
called for that purpose, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all shares of the Corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

            E. Rights of Holders of Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Article VI, whenever the holders of any one or more
classes or series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the
right, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or
special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of
vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the
rights and preferences of such Preferred Stock, and such directors so elected
shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this Article VI unless expressly
provided by such rights and preferences.

            F. Written Ballot Not Required. The election of directors need not
be by written ballot unless the By-Laws of the Corporation shall so provide.


                                        5
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII.

            The By-Laws of the Corporation may provide, without limitation,
requirements relating to the notice and conduct of annual meetings, special
meetings, and the nomination and election of directors of the Corporation.

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

            In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by law
or in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board (and any
committee of the Board) is expressly authorized, to the extent permitted by law,
to take such action or actions as the Board or such committee may determine to
be reasonably necessary or desirable to (a) encourage any person to enter into
negotiations with the Board and management of the Corporation with respect to
any transaction which may result in a change in control of the Corporation which
is proposed or initiated by such person or (b) contest or oppose any such
transaction which the Board or such committee determines to be unfair, abusive
or otherwise undesirable with respect to the Corporation and its business,
assets or properties or the stockholders of the Corporation, including, without
limitation, the adoption of plans or the issuance of rights, options, capital
stock, notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness or other securities
of the Corporation, which rights, options, capital stock, notes, evidences of
indebtedness and other securities (i) may be exchangeable for or convertible
into cash or other securities on such terms and conditions as may be determined
by the Board or such committee and (ii) may provide that any holder or class of
holders thereof designated by the Board or any such committee will be treated
differently than all other holders in respect of the terms, conditions,
provisions and rights of such securities.

                                   ARTICLE IX.

            Subject to the rights, if any, of holders of any class or series of
Preferred Stock then outstanding, (i) stockholders are not permitted to call a
special meeting of stockholders or to require the Board or officers of the
Corporation to call such a special meeting, (ii) a special meeting of
stockholders may only be called by a majority of the Board or by the chief
executive officer, (iii) the business permitted to be conducted at a 


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters properly brought
before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, and (iv) any action
required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a duly
called and convened annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and cannot
be taken by consent in writing.

            Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of
Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept
(subject to any provision contained in the statute) outside the State of
Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the
Board or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE X.

            A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended after
approval by the stockholders of this Article to authorize corporate action
further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the
liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be duly executed this 5th day of
August, 1998.

                                    United Rentals Holdings, Inc.


                                    By: /s/ Sandra E. Welwood
                                        --------------------------------
                                        Name: Sandra E. Welwood
                                        Title: Vice President


                                        7

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

 
                                     BY-LAWS
                                      -OF-
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
          (a Delaware corporation hereinafter called the "Corporation")

                          Effective as of July 20, 1998

                                    ARTICLE I
                                     Offices

            SECTION 1.01. Offices. The Corporation may have offices both within
and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to
time determine.

                                   ARTICLE II
                            Meetings of Stockholders

            SECTION 2.01. Place of Meetings. Meetings of stockholders may be
held at any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, designated by
the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 2.02. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders for
election of directors shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be
designated by the Board of Directors. Any other proper business may be
transacted at the annual meeting.

            SECTION 2.03. Special Meetings. Stockholders are not permitted to
call a special meeting of stockholders or to require the Board of Directors or
officers of the Corporation to call such a special meeting. A special meeting of
stockholders may only be called by a majority of the Board of Directors or by
the chief executive officer. The business permitted to be conducted at a special
meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters properly brought before the
meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Any action required or
permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a duly called and
convened annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken
by consent in writing.

            SECTION 2.04. Quorum. The holders of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings 
<PAGE>
 
of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided
by statute or by the certificate of incorporation.

            SECTION 2.05. Organization. Meetings of stockholders shall be
presided over by the Chairman, if any, or in his absence (or election not to
preside) by the Vice Chairman, if any, or in his absence (or election not to
preside) by the President, or in his absence (or election not to preside) by a
Vice President, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman
designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a
chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the
meeting, but in his absence (or election not to so act) the chairman of the
meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

            SECTION 2.06. Conduct of Meetings. The Board of Directors may adopt
such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it
shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and
regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of
stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules,
regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such
chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules,
regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or
prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the
following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the
meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the
safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in
the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized
and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting
shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed
for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to
questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the extent determined by
the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders
shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary
procedure.

            SECTION 2.07. Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are
nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for
election as directors; provided, however, 


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
that the following procedures shall not apply to the nomination of persons for
election as directors by vote of any class or series of preferred stock of the
Corporation. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of
the Corporation at the annual meeting may be made at such meeting by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors, by any committee appointed by the Board of
Directors or by any common stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for
the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures
set forth in this Section 2.07. Such nominations, other than those made by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors or by any committee appointed by the
Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the
Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the
close of business on the fifteenth day following the day on which such notice of
the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever
first occurs. Such stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as
to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or
re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence
address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the
person, (iii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person and (iv) any other
information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Rules and
Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (b) as to the stockholder
giving the notice (i) the name and record address of the stockholder, (ii) the
class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are
beneficially owned by the stockholder and (iii) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any
other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the
nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder. Such notice shall
be accompanied by the executed consent of each nominee to serve as a director if
so elected. The Corporation 


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may
reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such
proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. No person shall be
eligible for election as a director of the Corporation by the holders of Common
Stock of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set
forth herein. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting
shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the foregoing procedure and, if he should so determine, he shall
so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

            SECTION 2.08. Advance Notification of Business to be Transacted at
Stockholder Meetings. To be properly brought before the annual or any special
meeting of stockholders, business must be either (a) specified in the notice of
meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors or any committee appointed by the Board of Directors, (b)
otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before an annual meeting
by a stockholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business
to be properly brought before any annual meeting of stockholders by a
stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the
close of business on the fifteenth day following the day on which such notice of
the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever
first occurs. Such stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to
each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting (i) a brief
description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (ii) the name and record
address of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class, series and
number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
owned by the stockholder and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in
such business.

            No business shall be conducted at the annual or any special meeting
of stockholders unless it is properly brought before the meeting in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.08, provided, however, that
nothing in this Section 2.08 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any
stockholder of any business properly brought before the meeting in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.08. The officer of the
Corporation presiding at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that
business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.08 and, if he should so determine, he shall so
declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the
meeting shall not be transacted.

            SECTION 2.09. Compliance with Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, the Corporation shall be
under no obligation to include any stockholder proposal in its proxy statement
materials or otherwise present any such proposal to stockholders at a special or
annual meeting of stockholders if the Board of Directors reasonably believes
that the proponents thereof have not complied with Sections 13 and 14 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the Corporation shall not be required to include in
its proxy statement material to stockholders any stockholder proposal not
required to be included in its proxy material to stockholders in accordance with
such Act, rules, or regulations.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                    Directors

            SECTION 3.01. Number of Directors. The number of directors which
shall constitute the entire Board of Directors shall be as set by the Board of
Directors from time to time. No reduction in the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors shall have the effect of removing any
director before that director's term of office expires.

            SECTION 3.02. Term of Office. Subject to the provisions of the
certificate of incorporation, each director, including a director elected to
fill a vacancy, shall hold office 


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
until such director's successor is elected and qualified or the earlier
resignation or removal of such director.

            SECTION 3.03. Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation
may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State
of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without
notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by
the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called
by the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President
or the Secretary or by resolution of the Board of Directors. Unless waived,
notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be delivered to each
director either (i) personally (either orally or in writing), (ii) by telephone,
(iii) by telex, telecopy or other facsimile transmission, or (iv) by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, addressed to a director at that director's address as it
is shown on the records of the Corporation. If the notice is mailed, it shall be
deposited in the United States mail at least four days before the time of the
holding of the meeting (ten days in the case of a director whose address as
shown on the records of the Corporation is outside of the United States of
America). If the notice to a director is delivered in any other manner it shall
be delivered (which shall for this purpose mean received by the director) at
least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting.

            SECTION 3.04. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a
majority of the entire Board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.

            SECTION 3.05. Organization. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be presided over by the Chairman, if any, or in his absence by the Vice
Chairman, if any, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman
chosen at the meeting.

            SECTION 3.06. Meetings by Conference Telephone or Similar Device.
Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of
Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any
committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can 


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence
in person at the meeting.

            SECTION 3.07. Board Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting. Any
action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of
Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all
members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of
the board or committee. Written consents representing actions taken by the board
or committee may be executed by telex, telecopy or other facsimile transmission,
and such facsimile shall be valid and binding to the same extent as if it were
an original.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    Officers

            SECTION 4.01. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be
chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a
Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, and a
Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also choose one or
more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, and other officers. Each such
officer shall hold office until his resignation or removal. The Board of
Directors may remove any officer with or without cause at any time, but such
removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights of such officer, if
any, with the Corporation.

            SECTION 4.02. Powers and Duties of Officers. The chief executive
officer of the Corporation shall have such powers in the management of the
Corporation as may be prescribed in a resolution by the Board of Directors and,
to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to such office. The chief
executive officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of
Directors are carried into effect.

            The other officers of the Corporation shall have such powers and
duties in the management of the Corporation as may be prescribed in a resolution
by the Board of Directors or delegated to them by the chief executive officer
and, to the extent not so provided or delegated, as generally pertain to their
respective offices, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and the
chief executive officer. Without limiting the foregoing, the 


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Secretary shall have the duty to record the proceedings of the meetings of the
stockholders and directors in a book to be kept for that purpose.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  Miscellaneous

            SECTION 5.01. Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, to be given to any
director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, and, in the case of a waiver of notice of a meeting,
whether or not the business to be transacted at or the purposes of such meeting
is set forth in such waiver, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. The attendance
of any person at any meeting, in person or, in the case of the meeting of
stockholders, by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting
except where such person attends such meeting for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of such meeting to the transaction of any business on
the grounds that such meeting is not duly called or convened.

            SECTION 5.02. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall
be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 5.03. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon
the name of the Corporation and shall be in such form as may be approved from
time to time by the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 5.04. Entire Board. As used in these By-laws, "entire Board
of Directors" means the total number of directors which the Corporation would
have if there were no vacancies in the Board of Directors.


                                       8

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.3

                     RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                      UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.



          United Rentals (North America), Inc., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies as follows:

          1.  The name of the corporation is United Rentals (North America),
Inc.  The original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation was filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 14, 1997, under
the name United System, Inc.

          2.  Pursuant to Section 245 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
this Restated Certificate of Incorporation only restates and integrates, and
does not further amend, the provisions of the Corporation's certificate of
incorporation as heretofore amended or supplemented (the "Certificate of
Incorporation"), there being no discrepancy between those provisions and the
provisions of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

          3.  The terms and provisions of this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation have been duly adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 245
of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

          4.  The text of the Certificate of Incorporation is hereby restated to
read in its entirety as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I.

          The name of the Corporation is United Rentals (North America), Inc.

                                  ARTICLE II.

          The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of
Delaware is United Corporate Services, Inc., 15 East 
<PAGE>
 
North Street, Dover, Delaware 19901, County of Kent. The name of its registered
agent at such address is United Corporate Services, Inc.

                                  ARTICLE III.

          The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue shall be three thousand (3,000), consisting of three thousand
(3,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

                                  ARTICLE IV.

          The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the
Delaware General Corporation Law.

                                   ARTICLE V.

          A.   By-Laws.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers
               -------                                                     
conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make,
adopt, alter, amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.  Any By-Laws made
by the directors under the powers conferred hereby may be amended or repealed by
the directors or by the stockholders.  Notwithstanding the foregoing and
anything contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the
contrary, the By-Laws shall not be amended or repealed by the stockholders, and
no provision inconsistent therewith shall be adopted by the stockholders,
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting
power of all shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class.

          B.   Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any
               -----------------------------------------                     
other provision contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
notwithstanding that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the By-Laws or
otherwise, this Article V and Articles VI, VII, VIII and IX of this Restated
Certificate of Incorporation shall not be amended or repealed, and no provision
inconsistent therewith or providing for cumulative voting in the election of
directors shall be adopted, unless such adoption, amendment or repeal is
approved by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
power of all shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally for the election of directors.

                                  ARTICLE VI.

          The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by and
under the direction of the Board of Directors (the "Board").  The Board may
exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful
acts and things as are not by statute or this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

          A.   Number of Directors.  The number of directors comprising the
               -------------------                                         
entire Board shall, subject to the right, if any, of holders of Preferred Stock
to elect directors under specified circumstances, be such number as may be fixed
from time to time exclusively by the Board by action of a majority of the
directors then in office.  If the number of directors at any time is fixed at
three or greater, then thereafter in no event shall such number be fewer than
three or greater than nine, unless approved by action of not less than two-
thirds of the directors then in office.  No director need be a stockholder.

          B.   Classes and Terms of Directors.  The directors shall be divided
               ------------------------------                                 
into three classes (I, II and III).  The number of directors comprising each
class (assuming no vacancy in any class) shall be as nearly equal in number as
possible based upon the number of directors comprising the entire Board.  The
Board shall, at or before the first meeting of the Board following the Effective
Time (as that term is defined in the document titled "Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of United System, Inc." filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State on September 11, 1997), designate the class to which each
director then serving shall be a member.  The initial term of the directors in
Class I shall extend until the first annual meeting of stockholders following
the Effective Time; the initial term of the directors in Class II shall extend
until the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time;
and the initial term of the directors in Class III shall extend until the third
annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time.  At each annual
meeting of stockholders, successors to directors of the class whose term expires
at such meeting will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their
successors are elected and qualified.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          C.   Newly-Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to the rights
               -----------------------------------------                       
of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly
created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors or
any vacancies in the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or any other cause may be filled by the
Board (and not by the stockholders unless there are no directors then in
office), provided that a quorum is then in office and present, or by a majority
of the directors then in office, if less than a quorum is then in office, or by
the sole remaining director.  A director elected to fill a newly created
directorship or other vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full
term of the class of directors in which the new directorship was created or the
vacancy occurred and until such director's successor has been elected and
qualified.

          D.   Removal of Directors.  Subject to the rights of the holders of
               --------------------                                          
any class or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, the directors or any
director may be removed from office any time, but only for cause, at a meeting
called for that purpose, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all shares of the Corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

          E.   Rights of Holders of Preferred Stock.  Notwithstanding the
               ------------------------------------                      
foregoing provisions of this Article VI, whenever the holders of any one or more
classes or series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the
right, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or
special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of
vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the
rights and preferences of such Preferred Stock, and such directors so elected
shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this Article VI unless expressly
provided by such rights and preferences.

          F.   Written Ballot Not Required.  The election of directors need not
               ---------------------------                                     
be by written ballot unless the By-Laws of the Corporation shall so provide.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII.

          The By-Laws of the Corporation may provide, without limitation,
requirements relating to the notice and conduct of annual meetings, special
meetings, and the nomination and election of directors of the Corporation.

                                 ARTICLE VIII.

          In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by law or
in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board (and any committee of
the Board) is expressly authorized, to the extent permitted by law, to take such
action or actions as the Board or such committee may determine to be reasonably
necessary or desirable to (a) encourage any person to enter into negotiations
with the Board and management of the Corporation with respect to any transaction
which may result in a change in control of the Corporation which is proposed or
initiated by such person or (b) contest or oppose any such transaction which the
Board or such committee determines to be unfair, abusive or otherwise
undesirable with respect to the Corporation and its business, assets or
properties or the stockholders of the Corporation, including, without
limitation, the adoption of plans or the issuance of rights, options, capital
stock, notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness or other securities
of the Corporation, which rights, options, capital stock, notes, evidences of
indebtedness and other securities (i) may be exchangeable for or convertible
into cash or other securities on such terms and conditions as may be determined
by the Board or such committee and (ii) may provide that any holder or class of
holders thereof designated by the Board or any such committee will be treated
differently than all other holders in respect of the terms, conditions,
provisions and rights of such securities.

                                  ARTICLE IX.

          Subject to the rights, if any, of holders of any class or series of
Preferred Stock then outstanding, (i) stockholders are not permitted to call a
special meeting of stockholders or to require the Board or officers of the
Corporation to call such a special meeting, (ii) a special meeting of
stockholders may only be called by a majority of the Board or by the chief
executive officer, (iii) the business permitted to be conducted at a 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters properly brought
before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, and (iv) any action
required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a duly
called and convened annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and cannot
be taken by consent in writing.

          Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of
Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide.  The books of the Corporation may be kept
(subject to any provision contained in the statute) outside the State of
Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the
Board or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE X.

          A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.  If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended after
approval by the stockholders of this Article to authorize corporate action
further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the
liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.

                                  ARTICLE XI.

          Any act or transaction by or involving the Corporation that requires
for its adoption under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or
this certificate of incorporation the approval of the stockholders of the
Corporation shall, by virtue of this reference to Section 251(g) of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, require, in addition, the approval of
the stockholders of United Rentals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any
successor thereto by merger, by the same vote that is required by the General
Corporation Law of the State of 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Delaware and/or the certificate of incorporation of this Corporation.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to be duly executed this 12th day of August, 1998.


                         United Rentals (North America), Inc.


                         By:/s/ Sandra E. Welwood
                            ---------------------
                            Name: Sandra E. Welwood
                            Title: Vice President

                                       7

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.4

 
                                     BY-LAWS
                                      -OF-
                     UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.
          (a Delaware corporation hereinafter called the "Corporation")

                         Effective as of August 3, 1998

                                    ARTICLE I
                                     Offices

            SECTION 1.01. Offices. The Corporation may have offices both within
and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to
time determine.

                                   ARTICLE II
                            Meetings of Stockholders

            SECTION 2.01. Place of Meetings. Meetings of stockholders may be
held at any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, designated by
the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 2.02. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders for
election of directors shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be
designated by the Board of Directors. Any other proper business may be
transacted at the annual meeting.

            SECTION 2.03. Special Meetings. Stockholders are not permitted to
call a special meeting of stockholders or to require the Board of Directors or
officers of the Corporation to call such a special meeting. A special meeting of
stockholders may only be called by a majority of the Board of Directors or by
the chief executive officer. The business permitted to be conducted at a special
meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters properly brought before the
meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Any action required or
permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a duly called and
convened annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken
by consent in writing.

            SECTION 2.04. Quorum. The holders of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings 
<PAGE>
 
of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided
by statute or by the certificate of incorporation.

            SECTION 2.05. Organization. Meetings of stockholders shall be
presided over by the Chairman, if any, or in his absence (or election not to
preside) by the Vice Chairman, if any, or in his absence (or election not to
preside) by the President, or in his absence (or election not to preside) by a
Vice President, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman
designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a
chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the
meeting, but in his absence (or election not to so act) the chairman of the
meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

            SECTION 2.06. Conduct of Meetings. The Board of Directors may adopt
such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it
shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and
regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of
stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules,
regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such
chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules,
regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or
prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the
following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the
meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the
safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in
the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized
and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting
shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed
for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to
questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the extent determined by
the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders
shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary
procedure.

            SECTION 2.07. Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are
nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for
election as directors; provided, however, 


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
that the following procedures shall not apply to the nomination of persons for
election as directors by vote of any class or series of preferred stock of the
Corporation. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of
the Corporation at the annual meeting may be made at such meeting by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors, by any committee appointed by the Board of
Directors or by any common stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for
the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures
set forth in this Section 2.07. Such nominations, other than those made by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors or by any committee appointed by the
Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the
Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the
close of business on the fifteenth day following the day on which such notice of
the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever
first occurs. Such stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as
to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or
re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence
address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the
person, (iii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person and (iv) any other
information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Rules and
Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (b) as to the stockholder
giving the notice (i) the name and record address of the stockholder, (ii) the
class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are
beneficially owned by the stockholder and (iii) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any
other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the
nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder. Such notice shall
be accompanied by the executed consent of each nominee to serve as a director if
so elected. The Corporation 


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may
reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such
proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. No person shall be
eligible for election as a director of the Corporation by the holders of Common
Stock of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set
forth herein. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting
shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the foregoing procedure and, if he should so determine, he shall
so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

            SECTION 2.08. Advance Notification of Business to be Transacted at
Stockholder Meetings. To be properly brought before the annual or any special
meeting of stockholders, business must be either (a) specified in the notice of
meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors or any committee appointed by the Board of Directors, (b)
otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before an annual meeting
by a stockholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business
to be properly brought before any annual meeting of stockholders by a
stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the
close of business on the fifteenth day following the day on which such notice of
the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever
first occurs. Such stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to
each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting (i) a brief
description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (ii) the name and record
address of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class, series and
number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
owned by the stockholder and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in
such business.

            No business shall be conducted at the annual or any special meeting
of stockholders unless it is properly brought before the meeting in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.08, provided, however, that
nothing in this Section 2.08 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any
stockholder of any business properly brought before the meeting in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.08. The officer of the
Corporation presiding at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that
business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.08 and, if he should so determine, he shall so
declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the
meeting shall not be transacted.

            SECTION 2.09. Compliance with Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, the Corporation shall be
under no obligation to include any stockholder proposal in its proxy statement
materials or otherwise present any such proposal to stockholders at a special or
annual meeting of stockholders if the Board of Directors reasonably believes
that the proponents thereof have not complied with Sections 13 and 14 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the Corporation shall not be required to include in
its proxy statement material to stockholders any stockholder proposal not
required to be included in its proxy material to stockholders in accordance with
such Act, rules, or regulations.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                    Directors

            SECTION 3.01. Number of Directors. The number of directors which
shall constitute the entire Board of Directors shall be as set by the Board of
Directors from time to time. No reduction in the number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors shall have the effect of removing any
director before that director's term of office expires.

            SECTION 3.02. Term of Office. Subject to the provisions of the
certificate of incorporation, each director, including a director elected to
fill a vacancy, shall hold office 


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
until such director's successor is elected and qualified or the earlier
resignation or removal of such director.

            SECTION 3.03. Meetings. The Board of Directors of the Corporation
may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State
of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without
notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by
the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called
by the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President
or the Secretary or by resolution of the Board of Directors. Unless waived,
notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be delivered to each
director either (i) personally (either orally or in writing), (ii) by telephone,
(iii) by telex, telecopy or other facsimile transmission, or (iv) by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, addressed to a director at that director's address as it
is shown on the records of the Corporation. If the notice is mailed, it shall be
deposited in the United States mail at least four days before the time of the
holding of the meeting (ten days in the case of a director whose address as
shown on the records of the Corporation is outside of the United States of
America). If the notice to a director is delivered in any other manner it shall
be delivered (which shall for this purpose mean received by the director) at
least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting.

            SECTION 3.04. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a
majority of the entire Board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.

            SECTION 3.05. Organization. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be presided over by the Chairman, if any, or in his absence by the Vice
Chairman, if any, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman
chosen at the meeting.

            SECTION 3.06. Meetings by Conference Telephone or Similar Device.
Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of
Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any
committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can 


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence
in person at the meeting.

            SECTION 3.07. Board Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting. Any
action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of
Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all
members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of
the board or committee. Written consents representing actions taken by the board
or committee may be executed by telex, telecopy or other facsimile transmission,
and such facsimile shall be valid and binding to the same extent as if it were
an original.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    Officers

            SECTION 4.01. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be
chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a
Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, and a
Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also choose one or
more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, and other officers. Each such
officer shall hold office until his resignation or removal. The Board of
Directors may remove any officer with or without cause at any time, but such
removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights of such officer, if
any, with the Corporation.

            SECTION 4.02. Powers and Duties of Officers. The chief executive
officer of the Corporation shall have such powers in the management of the
Corporation as may be prescribed in a resolution by the Board of Directors and,
to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to such office. The chief
executive officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of
Directors are carried into effect.

            The other officers of the Corporation shall have such powers and
duties in the management of the Corporation as may be prescribed in a resolution
by the Board of Directors or delegated to them by the chief executive officer
and, to the extent not so provided or delegated, as generally pertain to their
respective offices, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and the
chief executive officer. Without limiting the foregoing, the 


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Secretary shall have the duty to record the proceedings of the meetings of the
stockholders and directors in a book to be kept for that purpose.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  Miscellaneous

            SECTION 5.01. Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, to be given to any
director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, and, in the case of a waiver of notice of a meeting,
whether or not the business to be transacted at or the purposes of such meeting
is set forth in such waiver, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. The attendance
of any person at any meeting, in person or, in the case of the meeting of
stockholders, by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting
except where such person attends such meeting for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of such meeting to the transaction of any business on
the grounds that such meeting is not duly called or convened.

            SECTION 5.02. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall
be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 5.03. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon
the name of the Corporation and shall be in such form as may be approved from
time to time by the Board of Directors.

            SECTION 5.04. Entire Board. As used in these By-laws, "entire Board
of Directors" means the total number of directors which the Corporation would
have if there were no vacancies in the Board of Directors.


                                       8

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>  0001067701
<NAME> UNITED RENTALS, INC.
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                       5,486,092
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               74,980,625
<ALLOWANCES>                                 7,778,000
<INVENTORY>                                 33,255,606
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                     346,461,145
<DEPRECIATION>                              15,155,834
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             889,164,469
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                    389,181,344
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       341,921
<OTHER-SE>                                 418,052,245
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               889,164,469
<SALES>                                    127,351,280
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           127,351,280
<CGS>                                       80,112,477
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              109,028,900
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             (527,547)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               838,760
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           4,936,708
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             13,913,219
<INCOME-TAX>                                 5,693,143
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          8,220,076
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 8,220,076
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .27
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .23
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE FUTURE RESULTS AND ACCURACY OF
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The Company, in an effort to help keep its stockholders and the public
informed about the Company's operations, may from time to time issue certain
statements, either in writing or orally,

that contain or may contain forward-looking information.  However, actual
results may materially differ from the Company's expectations, statements or
projections.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from the
Company's expectations, statements or projections include the risks and
uncertainties relating to the Company's business described below.

 RISKS RELATING TO GROWTH STRATEGY

     Principal components of the Company's growth strategy include continued
expansion through an ongoing acquisition program, the opening of start-up
locations, and internal growth. However, there can be no assurance that the
Company will successfully implement its growth strategy or that, if implemented,
such strategy will result in continued profitability.  The Company's growth
strategy involves a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

     Availability of Acquisition Targets and Sites for Start-up Locations.  The
Company may encounter substantial competition in its efforts to identify and
acquire appropriate acquisition candidates and sites for start-up locations,
which could have the effect of increasing prices for acquisitions or such sites.
There can be no assurance that the Company will succeed in identifying
appropriate acquisition candidates or sites for start-up locations or that the
Company will be able to acquire any acquisition candidate or site that it does
identify on terms that are acceptable to the Company.

     Need to Integrate New Operations.  As the Company grows, the Company
intends to focus substantial efforts on the efficient integration of new
operations, the elimination of duplicative costs and the reduction of overhead.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be successful in these
efforts or that these efforts may not in certain circumstances adversely affect
existing operations.

     Need to Recruit Additional Personnel.  The Company will require additional
personnel in order to implement its growth strategy and support expanded
operations.  Accordingly, the Company is in the process of recruiting additional
operating, acquisition, finance and other personnel from the equipment rental
industry and from other industries.  There can be no assurance, however, that
the Company will succeed in recruiting the requisite qualified personnel as and
when needed.

     Certain Risks Related to Start-up Locations.  The Company expects that
start-up locations may initially have a negative impact on results of operations
and margins due to several factors, including:  (i) the Company will incur
significant start-up expenses in connection with 
<PAGE>
 
establishing each start-up location and (ii) it will generally take some time
following the commencement of operations at a start-up location before
profitability can be achieved. There can be no assurance that any start-up
location will become profitable within the first several years of operations, if
at all.

 DEPENDENCE ON ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FINANCE GROWTH

     The Company's growth strategy will require substantial capital investment.
Capital will be required by the Company for, among other purposes, completing
acquisitions, establishing new rental locations, integrating completed
acquisitions, acquiring rental equipment and maintaining the condition of its
rental equipment.  The Company intends to pay for future acquisitions using
cash, capital stock, notes and/or assumption of indebtedness.  To the extent
that cash generated internally and cash available under the Company's existing
credit facility is not sufficient to provide the capital required for such
purposes and future operations, the Company will require additional debt and/or
equity financing in order to provide for such capital.  There can be no
assurance, however, that such financing will be available or, if available, will
be available on terms satisfactory to the Company. Failure by the Company to
obtain sufficient additional capital in the future could limit the Company's
ability to implement its business strategy.  Future debt financings, if
available, may result in increased interest and amortization expense, increased
leverage and decreased income available to fund further acquisitions and
expansion, and may limit the Company's ability to withstand competitive
pressures and render the Company more vulnerable to economic downturns.  Future
equity financings may dilute the equity interest of existing stockholders.

 POSSIBLE UNDISCOVERED LIABILITIES OF ACQUIRED COMPANIES

     Although the Company performs a due diligence investigation of each
business that it acquires, there may nevertheless be liabilities of the Acquired
Companies or future acquired companies that the Company fails or is unable to
discover during its due diligence investigation and for which the Company, as a
successor owner, may be responsible.  The Company seeks to minimize the impact
of these liabilities by obtaining indemnities and warranties from the seller
which may be supported by deferring payment of a portion of the purchase price.
However, these indemnities and warranties, if obtained, may not fully cover the
liabilities due to their limited scope, amount, or duration, the financial
limitations of the indemnitor or warrantor, or other reasons.

 DEPENDENCE ON MANAGEMENT

     The Company is highly dependent upon its senior management team.  The loss
of the services of any member of senior management may have a material adverse
effect on the Company.  The Company's credit facility provides that the failure
of certain members of the Company's current senior management to continue to
hold executive positions with the Company for a period of 30 consecutive days
constitutes an event of default under the credit facility unless replacement
officers satisfactory to the lenders are appointed.  See Item 7-- "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
<PAGE>
 
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources." The Company does not presently
maintain "key man" life insurance with respect to members of senior management.

 RECENTLY INSTALLED INTEGRATED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM

     The Company has recently installed a new integrated information technology
system as described under "--Information Technology System."   The new system is
currently operational at 58 of the Company's existing locations, and the Company
expects that the system will be operational at the remaining existing locations
by mid-April 1998.  However, there can be no assurance that  the Company will
not encounter unexpected delays.  Furthermore, in view of the recent
installation of the system, there can be no assurance that the system will
function in accordance with the Company's expectations.   Failure of the system
to function as expected could negatively impact the Company's ability to
implement its growth strategy.

 COMPETITION

     The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and competitive.
Certain of the Company's competitors are larger and have greater financial
resources than the Company.  There can be no assurance that the Company will not
encounter increased competition from existing competitors or new market entrants
or that equipment manufacturers will not commence, or increase their efforts, to
rent or sell equipment directly to the Company's customers.  In addition, to the
extent that competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices,
the Company may be required to lower its prices, thereby affecting operating
results.

 SENSITIVITY TO GENERAL ECONOMIC AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

     The Company believes that the equipment rental business is sensitive to
changes in economic conditions and that demand for rental equipment can be
reduced significantly by adverse weather conditions.  There can be no assurance
that the Company's business and financial condition will not be adversely
affected by (i) changes in general economic conditions, including national,
regional and local changes in construction and industrial activity, (ii)
increases in interest rates that may result in a higher cost of capital to the
Company, or (iii) adverse weather conditions that may decrease construction and
industrial activity.

 QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS OF OPERATING RESULTS

     The Company expects that its revenues and operating results may fluctuate
from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including: seasonal rental
patterns of the Company's customers (with rental activity tending to be lower in
the winter); changes in general economic conditions in the Company's markets;
the timing of acquisitions and the opening of start-up locations (which
generally will require a period of time to become profitable) and related costs;
the effect of the integration of acquired businesses and start-up locations; the
timing of expenditures for new equipment and the disposition of used equipment;
and price changes in response to competitive factors.  These factors, among
others, may result in the Company's results of operations in some future periods
not meeting expectations, which could have a 
<PAGE>
 
material adverse impact on the market price of the Common Stock.

 LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

     The Company is subject to various possible claims, including claims for
personal injury or death caused by equipment rented or sold by the Company or
motor vehicle accidents involving Company delivery and service personnel and
compensation and other employment related claims. The Company carries a broad
range of insurance for the protection of its assets and operations. However,
such coverage is subject to a deductible of $250,000 and limited to a maximum of
$25 million per occurrence.  In addition, the Company does not maintain
insurance coverage for environmental liability, since the Company believes that
the cost for such coverage is high relative to the benefit that it provides.
Furthermore, certain types of claims, such as claims for punitive damages or for
damages arising from intentional misconduct, which are often alleged in third
party lawsuits, might not be covered by the Company's insurance.  There can be
no assurance that insurance will continue to be available to the Company on
economically reasonable terms, if at all, that existing or future claims will
not exceed the level of the Company's insurance or relate to matters not covered
by the Company's insurance (such as environmental liability), or that the
Company will have sufficient capital available to pay any uninsured claims.

 ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

     As described under "--Environmental Regulation," certain activities of the
Company are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations
governing the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and
disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.  Under such laws, an owner or
lessee of real estate may be liable for, among other things, (i) the costs of
removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on, in,
or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of investigation and
property damage and substantial penalties for violations of such laws, and (ii)
environmental contamination at facilities where its waste is or has been
disposed.  Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the
owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous
or toxic substances.  Although the Company investigates each business or
property that it acquires or leases and believes there are no existing material
liabilities relating to non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations,
there can be no assurance that there are no undiscovered potential liabilities
relating to non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations, that
historic or current operations have not resulted in undiscovered conditions that
will require investigation and/or remediation under environmental laws, or that
future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of environmental
liability upon the Company or expose the Company to third-party actions such as
tort suits.  Furthermore, there can be no assurance that changes in
environmental regulations in the future will not require the Company to make
significant capital expenditures to change methods of disposal of hazardous
materials or otherwise alter aspects of its operations.


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