NORTHGATE Motor Holdings has bought Yorkshire lcv-hire specialists Ember Rentals for £1.44 million. The acquisition consists of five depots and 900 vehicles and takes Darlington-based Northgate's total fleet size above 12,000 vehicles.

The Goode Durrant subsidiary reported a record increase in profits last year and more recently signed its biggest ever deal with Ford for £100 million worth of trucks, vans and cars at this year's Fleet Show. Ember, which is part of the Hill Hire group, posted pre-tax profits of £184,000 on turnover of £2.44 million last year.