FLEXIBLE vehicle hire provider, TOM Vehicle Rental, has today acquired Transflex Vehicle Rental, a specialist in flexible fleet rentals to businesses (Aug 04).

The deal will see the Transflex fleet of 3,500 cars and light commercial vehicles, four depots and 80 employees join the larger TOM business.

Senior Transflex managers will join the TOM executive team: Peter Abdale (managing director); Gary Henry (sales director); Nick Skillman (operations director); and Tina Lynas (finance director).

As a result of the deal, the combined business becomes the third largest light commercial, flexible rental business by assets in the UK with a rental fleet of over 16,000 vans, trucks, trailers and cars, across a UK depot network of 15 sites comprising six in Scotland, five in the North of England and four in the South.

Both brands will continue to operate in the UK market, serving their well-established customers.

TOM completed a management-led buyout in December 2016 supported by private equity firm Equistone Partners Europe.

Robert Stewart, chief executive Officer of TOM Vehicle Rental, said:

“The purchase of Transflex Vehicle Rental comes at the right time and is a strong fit with our strategy to increase our UK market share by adding to our existing network, increasing our fleet size and customer base.

“Transflex has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality vehicles and excellent customer service over many years and this will continue going forward.

“The acquisition enables TOM to continue improving customer service through greater UK coverage and a larger available fleet offering.”