AUTOGLASS has again strengthened its European presence but this time in the Czech Republic and Italy.

Parent company Belron International has bought Darma in Italy, which has 47 branches in the country, and Nordglass CZ, the holding company of Carglas, in the Czech Republic, which has seven branches.

It comes soon after Belron International took control of Carglas's operation in Sweden.

Autoglass managing director Ian Carlisle said: 'This is an exciting move that will help Autoglass strengthen its commitment to providing the highest levels of service to fleet motorists.

'Belron's global expertise, coupled with the knowledge of each country, will ensure that fleets receive the same service wherever they may be travelling across the UK, Europe or the world.'

Belron now plans to extend the Czech network to 14 branches supported by mobile service units.

Belron recently acquired Stockholm Glas, the holding company of Swedish market leader Carglas, and the deal includes seven branches in the Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo areas.