As part of its expansion, VMS Fleet Management has acquired southwest-based Western Truck Rental for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will include VMS taking immediate control of the Western Truck Rental’s two sites in Barnstaple and Tiverton, as well as the 20-strong workforce.

VMS will also dedicate circa 200 vehicles to extend the rental fleet available at Western Truck Rental, to help expand the offering to existing and new customers of the company.

Martin James, managing director of VMS Fleet Management, said: “This acquisition comes on the back of us looking to expand our business within the Southwest of England. We were looking at creating a base for VMS specifically in the area but when the opportunity to acquire Western Truck Rental presented itself, we felt this might be the perfect opportunity for us.

“We met with the long-standing team at the business and felt that the company culture was very similar to ours. There were great, friendly, loyal people delivering fantastic services to top customers. There was a real warmth about the business, and we knew that Western Truck Rental would be the perfect addition to our team.

“We look forward to working with the team at Western Truck Rental, supporting them with their growth and successes for the future.”

Western Truck Rental, which has been operating in Devon and the surrounding areas since 1979, offers self-drive hire, contract hire, servicing, parts, body building and ex fleet sales to businesses and individuals alike.

The company will continue to operate under its own name, offering the same services, under full management by VMS.

Formed in 2002, VMS is a fleet services group that provides contract hire and fleet management solutions within the commercial fleet sector.

VMS currently operates more than 5,000 vehicles in its overall fleet, with more than 1,000 vehicles in its rental fleet. 

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