DEFENSIVE driver training specialist NDI has bought Drive & Survive, creating Europe's largest fleet driver training company. The two companies have worked closely over the last year, training 13,000 drivers in the UK and overseas, and posting a combined turnover of £4.2 million.

They will now merge their back office functions of sales, marketing, bookings and reservations, but will maintain separate brand identities, and keep clearly differentiated client bases.

Drive & Survive will continue to deal directly with larger fleets, while NDI will work closely with the insurance, leasing and contract hire markets, and the small to medium fleet sector. Both will also continue to deliver driver awareness defensive training.

Paul Austin is managing director of the new organisation, while Paul Catlin, co-founder of Drive & Survive 11 years ago, has left but will remain a consultant to the enlarged operation for the next six months. Five operations report under the new company's umbrella - Drive & Survive, Drive & Survive Scotland, Drive & Survive International, NDI, and corporate hospitality organiser D&S Events.