NEWCOURT Automotive Services has increased its fleet size to more than 11,000 units after acquiring the vehicle and leasing business of Pride Management Services. The deal, valued at more than £10 million, brings more than 1,000 contract hire and 100 fleet managed vehicles into Newcourt's business, which already had more than 10,000 vehicles.

It will take control of Pride Vehicle Contracts, based in Watford, and Baker Vehicle Contracts in South Wales. Client names have not been revealed. Colin Tourick, managing director of Newcourt Automotive Services, said: 'We have bought the rights to the names of the companies, but we will be looking to rebrand them with Newcourt as quickly as possible. We will also be bringing the service and cost benefits of a larger company to clients.'