GLOBAL leasing and fleet management firm Axus International has unveiled a series of acquisitions around the world. The multi-marque subsidiary of Ford Financial Services has bought New Zealand's largest vehicle leasing firm along with fleet companies in Portugal and Denmark while, in Sweden, it has formed a new corporate subsidiary.

Jan Astrand, president and chief executive officer of Axus International, said: 'We now have corporately-owned operations in all the major European and Scandinavian countries. Our next step will be to look at establishing our name in Latin America and North America while continuing to grow in Europe and Asia Pacific, both organically and through acquisitions.'

In New Zealand, Axus has bought Fleetlease whose 14,000 vehicles represent a market share of about 25% while, in Portugal, it has acquired MSG Gestao Frotas, the country's third largest leasing company. In Denmark, Axus has purchase the leasing division of Pfitzner Auto A/S, the country's largest independent leasing operator, and set up a new corporate subsidiary in Stockholm.