Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland has bolstered its fleet of vehicles and increased its inbound business from North America with the acquisition of Dooley Car Rentals.

The agreement brings together two family owned companies, each of which has a rich heritage of operating in Ireland and delivering service excellence to customers.

Under the arrangement, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland has bought the car rental business of the Dan Dooley Group. This includes a fleet of more than 1,400 vehicles and a book of business that contains a number of international customers and contracts.

George O'Connor, Managing Director, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland, said: "I've always admired the Dooley brand, which, like Enterprise, has a culture that's built upon excellent customer service. Both companies are family owned, entrepreneurial and customer centric. We are both proud of our history in Ireland. Dooley Car Rentals has been serving customers for more than 50 years, while Enterprise, which began in the United States 60 years ago, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Ireland this year."

Pat Dooley, CEO, Dooley Group, said: "We have made significant investment in the Dooley Car Rental business and brand, and the sale of the business to Enterprise Rent-A-Car will ensure that the investment continues in the future so as to grow the business. Enterprise's ability to invest in growing the new business will also present opportunities for Dooley employees within a global corporation."

The Operations Director / General Manager of Dooley Car Rentals, Gerry McDermott, will continue to lead the Dooley Car Rentals business independently, which has around 50 employees. Pat Dooley will remain in an advisory role.

The other divisions within the Dan Dooley Group, including its Ford dealerships in Tipperary and County Limerick, are not affected by this agreement.

The completion of the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, means that Dooley Car Rentals is now part of the world's largest car rental company, Enterprise Holdings Inc., which together with its subsidiaries and independent franchisees, operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in more than 85 countries globally.