FAST-FIT operator Montinex is understood to be at an advanced stage of negotiations to buy fleet tyre supplier FTM Tyrefit. Montinex is Britain's largest independent fast-fit company, with a network of 150 outlets trading under names such as Charlie Browns, Chessington Tyres and Northway Tyres.

FTM is the third largest supplier of tyres to the company car market and last year developed its own outsourced fleet tyre management package operating through a network of 850 independent tyre retailers. Both companies declined to comment on the speculation, but Fleet NewsNet understands an announcement is imminent.