The Charles Hurst Group, a major trading division of Lookers plc, has announced the acquisition of Fleet Financial, Northern Ireland's leading contract hire and fleet management company.  Effective from 11th June 2012 the Mallusk based company will trade as a division of the Charles Hurst Group retaining all current directors and staff and continuing to operate under the Fleet Financial brand name.

Philip Miley, Sales and Marketing Director, Fleet Financial explains, "With 16 successful years of trading behind us Fleet Financial has built up an unrivalled reputation in the N.Ireland marketplace.  As an independent company we had reached our potential and to lift Fleet Financial onto the next level we needed to form a strategic alliance with a complementary but broader based organisation.  This acquisition by the Charles Hurst Group will enable us to deliver our growth strategy over the next number of years and will further enhance our service offering and business partnership to our customers through innovative products, improved funding options and strengthened client relationship management."

Fleet Financial, which employs 24 people, currently manages more than 3,000 vehicles and has contracts with many high profile brands such as Sky, AXA Insurance, Phoenix Gas, Dale Farm and SHS Group.  The company also recently became a preferred supplier for C&C Group plc which involves supplying vehicles throughout the UK. Ken Surgenor, Chairman, the Charles Hurst Group said, "We are delighted to have acquired Fleet Financial which is the undoubted market leader in N.Ireland for contract hire and fleet management.  The expertise of its staff and the quality of its customer offering provide an excellent fit with the Charles Hurst Group profile and perfectly complement our existing business portfolio.  This move further demonstrates the Charles Hurst Group