<p><a href="http://www.kirby-smith.com/custompage.asp?pg=construction">Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.</a>, a regional heavy construction equipment and crane dealer, announced it acquired Dallas-based Continental Equipment Company. The strategic acquisition allows for Kirby-Smith Machinery to retain the Komatsu construction equipment line as well as maintain additional construction-related product lines. <br />&nbsp;<br />In 1998, Continental was purchased by one of the world&rsquo;s largest trading companies, Sumitomo Corporation of America, and has five locations throughout Texas. Kirby-Smith will operate the newly acquired Continental locations under the Kirby-Smith Machinery name. With the addition of Continental, Kirby-Smith will have a total of nine branches located in Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Okla.; Kansas City, Kan.; St. Louis; and Dallas; as well as Fort Worth, Amarillo, Lubbock and Abilene, Texas. Overall, the company will employ more than 300 people. <br />&nbsp;<br />Kirby-Smith is a full-service equipment distributorship, offering new and used equipment sales, parts and service. It also offers a diverse equipment rental fleet and is one of the largest privately owned rental companies in an eight-state region.</p>