A MAJOR US car rental firm is searching for an independent car rental company to launch its international operation in the UK.

Payless Car Rental, one of the top 10 rental firms in the world, already has operations in 15 countries and more than 135 locations in its worldwide network.

As part of its global expansion, the firm is searching for an independent car rental firm to take on the Master Licence for the UK, providing exclusive rights to acquire and convert all independent car rental operations in the UK.

A Master Licence receives a percentage of each franchise sold and a percentage of the royalties paid to Payless Car Rental.

Kathleen Gassner, director of international franchise development, said: 'The UK market is critical to our aggressive international expansion.

'We believe we can grow the business for an independent car rental company or group looking to expand through an international brand.'

With more than 30 years in the car rental franchise business, Payless Car Rental is backed by parent company Avalon Global Group. Avalon has already begun an expansion programme throughout the world, opening of 10 new international and domestic locations in February.