SG Fleet has acquired Fleet Hire, the Solihull-based contract hire, fleet management and salary sacrifice specialist. The deal was completed at the end of last week and both businesses see the move as being very positive for their future development.

Australian-listed SG Fleet Group manages a fleet of around 130,000 vehicles in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Fleet Hire, which has 60 staff, has around 6,500 vehicles and has had a very successful last 12 months with a number of major new business wins.

Importantly, for the continuity of the business going forward, the senior Fleet Hire team of chief executive officer Graham Hale, chief operating officer Chris Joyce and sales director Nick Poole will remain with the business.

In a statement, SG Fleet said the acquisition provided it “with critical mass in the attractive UK fleet market and, in combination with our existing local business, will create a profitable platform for future growth”.

SG Fleet UK managing director David Fernandes said: “Fleet Hire is an ideal fit for our long-term growth strategy in the UK.

“Coupled with the invaluable expertise we have gained by retaining the commitment of the existing management team, we have made a significant stride forward in this market.

“Our Novalease product has already been very successful in the UK salary sacrifice market and, combining it with a more sizeable operation, will make us capable of servicing ever larger customers.”

Fleet Hire CEO Graham Hale said the new deal as SG Group acquires Fleet Hire offered up a number of exciting opportunities for both businesses.

“The integration of the two businesses in the UK extends the range of solutions we can offer our rapidly growing corporate customer base. Combining our forces is a big step forward for both businesses.

“It establishes a genuine platform for the combined business to build on and is a very exciting time for both of us,” he said.