RUMOURS have been scotched that Kwik-Fit is poised to buy rival National Tyres & Autocare to create a fast-fit giant more than twice the size of the nearest competition.

It is understood that discussions did take place earlier this year between Kwik-Fit and Continental, parent of National, but that nothing has come of these. Adrian Dunleavy, marketing director of National, said: 'There is no truth in any of the rumours.' No-one from Kwik-Fit was available for comment.

In the latest Castrol Car Service Trend Tracker, published by Sewells, Continental had 434 tyre outlets throughout the UK, made up of 72 Smiley branches and 362 National Tyres & Autocare outlets; while Kwik-Fit owned a total of 693 branches.