ABBEY National-owned First National Vehicle Holdings has bought Shrewsbury-based Fleet Management Services from dealership group Greenhous for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of FMS more than doubles FNVH's fleet to 31,000 vehicles, the majority of which are funded, placing it 12th in the league table of the UK's top contract hire companies.

The deal gives FNVH increased access to larger fleet customers, and greater expertise in the accident management market. FNVH will operate three brands, First National Vehicle Contracts, Whitechapel Corporate Services, and now FMS, which will trade separately with its own identity and management team.