Fleets assured as rental firms are taken over

ANC Rental Corporation has sold its Alamo and National Car Rental brands, with its new owner pledging its commitment to offering high levels of service to business travellers.

A new company, Vanguard Car Rental USA, has taken over the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protected US assets and companies of ANC and its European businesses, not in Chapter 11, have also been acquired by Vanguard affiliates.

Executives say it is business as usual for the UK's Alamo and National Car Rental brands and that business growth is still a key priority.

John Leigh, senior vice-president UK, said: 'Although this deal affects the US side of the business more than it does the UK side, obviously the new owners will share our visions of growth for the company, both in the UK and Europe.

'We are more than happy to have a new shareholder which is financially robust but in terms of the brands here, it's business as usual.'

Leigh said in the past year the UK company has grown its revenues and expanded its network, enhanced its fleet and doubled the number of Guy Salmon Prestige Rental locations.

In EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Alamo has opened locations in seven new countries to give its customers a wider choice of destinations and National has increased its presence in six countries, with particular growth in the Eastern European market, the company said.

'With the backing of Vanguard, National and Alamo are set to go from strength to strength in EMEA,' Leigh added.

William Lobeck, Vanguard Car Rental president and chief executive officer, said: 'Alamo and National are two outstanding brands in the car rental industry. As a result of the closing of this acquisition and related financing commitments of $2.45 billion, our company has regained a strong financial base to assist in offering exceptional service to our business and leisure customers.'