SIGNIFICANT investment to launch a range of new services to fleet customers is to be made in FTM Tyrefit following its acquisition by the Montinex group of fast-fit companies, it was revealed this week. The acquisition of Poole, Dorset, company FTM Tyrefit for an undisclosed sum gives West Yorkshire-based Montinex, which runs a nationwide chain of 150 fast-fit outlets, entry to the UK fleet market for the first time.

Until now Montinex, the UK's largest privately-owned fast fit group, has been a retail-only player through its various brands, the four major ones of which are Charlie Browns, Chessington Tyres, Northway Tyres and Malvern. The company has a turnover of more than £80 million and employs more than 1,000 people

FTM Tyrefit - which claims to be the third largest player in the UK fleet market and counts PHH Vehicle Management Services, the RAC, Lease Plan, Volkswagen Financial Services and CW Lease among its major customers - represents a network of 830 independent fast-fit centres throughout the UK and was launched by John Mason, who will continue as a consultant, and Martyn James. Dominic Bateson will remain as managing director.

The acquisition effectively amounts to Montinex buying the fleet business currently undertaken by FTM Tyrefit and a computer system based around a wide range of services including free mobile tyre-fitting, a 24-hour driver helpline, a tyre underwriting service and nett pricing systems.