AVIS Europe has dismissed industry talk of a takeover by British Airways as rumours without any foundation. Speculation that British Airways was looking to buy the car hire giant has flourished since the two signed a deal last December nominating Avis as British Airways' preferred supplier worldwide.

The airline is said to want a closer tie-up with car rental, raising Avis Europe's share price, but a spokesman for Avis said there was nothing to substantiate the rumours. Meanwhile, Avis Europe has appointed Mark McCafferty as group managing director to oversee the car rental company's operations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

He joins the company from Thomas Cook Group and replaces Jean Suaudeau, Avis Europe's chief operating director, who has resigned from the company.