THE merger of two of the world's leading vehicle marketing and logistics companies has created a major new supplier to European vehicle manufacturers and fleets.

QEK Global Solutions is the result of a 50:50 merger between ABN AMRO Lease Holding subsidiary Keddy Services and Detroit-based Qual-Effic Services.

The combined company will employ more than 1,700 people from 51 locations on four continents, providing a full portfolio of services, including engineering services such as retrofit, as well as the management and preparation of demonstration fleets, company car management, ex-rental vehicle refurbishment, vehicle assessment and inspection services, used vehicle marketing and disposal.

'Our clients are global players and we need to be represented in the markets where they operate,' said David Gibson, group managing director of Keddy Services.

'This merger enables Keddy Services to compete more effectively within the markets we serve and reach new markets quicker.'

For Qual-Effic, the merger provides access to financial resources from ABN Amro and boosts its presence in Europe.

Sam Cupp, chairman of QEK Global Solutions, said: 'The QEK vision is simple - global solutions - the innovation that creates the best, most effective practices.' (April 2000)