THE AA is aiming to attract more fleet business to its new service centres following the acquisition of internet tyre network Tyreserve for £400,000.

The Tyreserve deal represents another element in the AA's business-to-business offering, following the purchase last August of 129 Halford's garages for £5.75 million, which were subsequently rebranded AA Service Centres.

Tyreserve links a network of 2,980 fast-fit, franchised dealer and mobile tyre replacement units, and uses the internet for online booking, pricing, order tracking and billing.

Roger Wood, AA managing director, said: 'Tyreserve gives the AA a key foothold in the tyre market. In conjunction with our new AA Service Centres, we can more effectively service the fleet industry and offer motorists a better choice of tyres.'

Tyreserve, established by Stapleton's Tyre Services in April 2001, will not add the AA moniker to its name, and will still be based in Coventry, with managing director David Goodyear at the helm.

He added: 'Becoming part of the AA gives us access to a wide range of resources and expertise that can only benefit the business. It's good news for customers, employees and suppliers.'

Ashley Croft, managing director of Stapleton's Tyre Services, said the firm had been looking for a buyer for Tyreserve, as it no longer fitted into Stapleton's long- term commercial objectives.