BUDGET Rent A Car has bought its Birmingham International Airport franchise and its city centre franchise from the current franchisee, allowing the company to gain greater control of operations.
The decision to take the car-hire business out of the hands of franchisees in the Midlands signals the company’s desire for growth in this area.
Managing director and general manager of Budget UK Operations Doug Sawers said: “This purchase is of considerable significance to us as we can drive ahead with our ambitious growth objectives for the Midlands.
“As a major hub, Birmingham International Airport will play a pivotal role in our continued development of corporate and inbound business.”
The company currently only has these two sites in Birmingham.
The franchise purchase comes a few months after Budget gained an in-terminal counter at East Midlands Airport for the next three years. The company now has corporate in-terminal locations based at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham International, East Midlands, Manchester International, Glasgow International and Edinburgh Airport.
Sales and marketing director Roddy Graham added: “From the corporate standpoint, it’s much easier and practical to make investments in the businesswhen you are not dealing with afranchisee.”