Zenith has expanded its HGV and specialist vehicle operations with the acquisition of Cartwright Fleet Services, Cartwright Rentals and Cartwright Finance Sales from administrators for an undisclosed sum.

The move creates one of the UK’s largest HGV and specialist fleets with more than 50,000 vehicles and one of the largest trailer rental fleets in the UK. It has also saved 259 jobs at Cartwright sites across the UK. 

Martin Jenkins chief executive of the HGV and specialist vehicles division, and group strategy director at Zenith, said: “We are backing a talented management team and people across the three Cartwright businesses we have acquired, and we look forward to working with their customers, employees and suppliers alike.” 

Servicing capabilities will also be enhanced, says Zenith, by combining its network of specialist repair agents at workshops across the UK and in-house expertise. Furthermore, the mobile technician fleet will grow to 60 and provide national coverage. 

Jenkins continued: “The businesses have a good reputation in their sector and are a great fit with the customer-first culture at Zenith.

“Bringing these operations together is an important step in our strategic growth plans and supports our position as the leading provider of fleet services across all asset types in the UK.” 

Cartwright Group is a privately owned commercial trailer manufacturer, trailer rental and fleet services provider based in Altrincham, Cheshire, with rental depots across the UK including in Leeds, Glasgow and Aldridge. The Group employs around 800 people.

It appointed Deloitte as administrators as Covid-19 and lockdown adversely impacted trading. Zenith has not acquired any of the manufacturing operations.

Tim Buchan, chief executive of Zenith, said: “We are continuing to strengthen our ability to provide a one-stop solution for our customers fleet requirements.

“The acquisition enhances our customer proposition and enables us to provide additional services for truck, trailer, van and car.

“The trailer rental market is critical to supporting peak periods of demand for supermarkets, home delivery and logistics companies, all of which are growing markets.

“This acquisition is a key part of our overall strategy.”

Zenith currently manages more than 140,000 vehicles.