AUTOGLASS has bought the continental network of its chief rival Auto Windscreens to reinforce its position as Europe's leading vehicle glass repair and replacement specialist. Autoglass paid £5 million for the 16 branch businesses of FL Autoglas in Germany and AW Auto Pare Brise in France, which it will add to its 167 branches in France and 119 in Germany.

These are branded as Carglass, and Autoglass will rename the new sites as Carglass. Autoglass' network in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and Spain allows UK fleets to benefit from the same service standards and invoicing as they receive in the UK, with drivers able to contact an English speaking call centre.

Meanwhile, Auto Windscreens' parent company Heywood Williams is continuing its search for a buyer for Auto Windscreens, and Fleet NewsNet understands an announcement will be made in the very near future which will guarantee exclusivity to one bidder.