AUTOGLASS, the vehicle glass replacement company has joined forces with Toad, the audio and security equipment replacement firm, to offer a one-stop shop to crime-hit fleet customers. The new service, to be launched at the start of 1999, will offer a single helpline number for drivers through which they can obtain emergency glass and stereo replacement.

The alliance will include the integration of the two companies' computer systems, telecommunications systems and customer handling procedures to offer what the companies claim will be a unique service. Future plans include spreading the service throughout Europe, to meet the needs of pan-European fleets.

Under the deal, Toad has bought Autoglass's audio replacement business for £732,282.50 in shares and in return Autoglass has invested £733,750 in Toad shares, worth about 5% of the company, with options to buy a further 10% in future.

Jeff Boekstein, sales and marketing director of Autoglass, said the alliance did not herald a takeover of Toad. 'We have taken a small share of its business. The audio replacement service we were offering was patched around the country, whereas the Toad service is much wider,' he said.