INTERNATIONAL automotive data and residual value specialist EurotaxGlass's has acquired a Netherlands-based data company as part of its ambitious growth plans.

The group now has total ownership of Olyslager Organisation and EurotaxGlass's chief executive officer Kevin Gaskell said the acquisition was 'an important part of the company's pan-European expansion drive'.

He said: 'The acquisition of Olyslager enables the EurotaxGlass's group to further expand its offerings in the automotive after-market data sector.

'Along with the recent 100% acquisition of Eurotax in the Netherlands, the take-over of Olyslager means that EurotaxGlass's has regained its full presence in the strategically important Netherlands market. This represents a key step forward in our pan-European expansion drive.'

Gaskell said that the Olyslager service data fits in perfectly with EurotaxGlass's Information Services (egis) aftermarket product launched in Germany in 2002.

The product incorporates data for parts, service and repair for all vehicles in 20 European countries and 12 languages.

Gaskell added: 'With the rapid integration of Olyslager data we will be able to offer all of our European customers even greater functionality in the area of intelligent management system along the entire automotive value chain.

EurotaxGlass's product range includes data for new vehicles, evaluation systems for used vehicles and residual value projections. Its analysis is regularly featured in Fleet News Europe.

Kevin Gaskell was appointed as its global chief executive a year ago. Gaskell was formerly managing director of BMW (GB), and left the manufacturer to join the internet car retailer CarsDirect.com as chief executive officer of its European operation.