THE windscreen replacement industry is preparing for a battle royal in the new year following the purchase of the third biggest player in the market, Silver Shield Screens, by Ford-owned Kwik-Fit. The fast-fit company will pay £8 million in cash for Silver Shield Screens and the current owner, Silver Shield Group, is recommending the offer, which is expected to be completed early next year subject to shareholder approval in January.

Sir Tom Farmer, chairman and chief executive of Kwik-Fit, wants to double the size of the new acquisition 'as soon as possible'. His ambitious plans will fall on the shoulders of Silver Shield Screens managing director Keith Walker, who remains in place with much of the management team following the purchase. Silver Shield Screens' current network of franchised outlets are expected to remain, but the increased network is likely to be through owned outlets.

Sir Tom said: 'I said it was Kwik-Fit's intention to create a service for car users from the showroom to the scrapyard and this is just part of it. Silver Shield Screens will strengthen our relationships with fleet customers, which will form a large part of the business.'