The company's dedicated corporate operation - Kwik-Fit Fleet - again made a healthy contribution to profits and is poised for further growth via its mobile tyre-fitting division. Pre-tax profits increased 19% to £43.3 million (1996: £36.3 million) on turnover up 17% at £426.9 million (1996: £365.4 million).

In the 12 months to February 28, the rapidly expanding company purchased 33% equity in the Hometune mobile servicing operations and four regional tyre and exhaust chains as well as opening 31 new outlets of its own. The group also spelled out its green credentials by purchasing a 40% stake in environmental tyre disposal specialist Ecology Tyres.