HIGHWAY Vehicle Leasing has been acquired by General Guarantee - the finance division of retail giant Great Universal Stores. With a fleet of 15,500 vehicles, Highway is the last major contract hire company to lose its independent status after 22 years as a stand-alone operation.

GUS has increased its presence in the motor industry over the last 12 months with the launch of the CCN Motorfile used car database and more recently, the launch of a new funding package aimed at car dealers. The group also provides consumer car finance through its network of 50 offices and owns Worcester-based White Arrow Contract Hire.

As well as providing the backing associated with one of the most consistently profitable FTSE 100 companies in the UK, General Guarantee's branch network and 250-strong field sales force will give Highway a huge sales boost.