KWIK-FIT is closing 140 of its Tyre Plus centres and integrating the remaining 115 centres into its core network.

The move means Kwik-Fit will expand its network to more than 700 centres and a mobile fleet of almost 300 vehicles. It is also part of a review of the entire Kwik-Fit GB operation by CVC Capital Partners, which acquired the business from Ford in November last year.

The latest move will also mean the closure of Tyre Plus's Motherwell head office and a number of support offices around the country.

Kwik-Fit says it will now focus on its core fast-fit business under a single management structure.

Tim Parker, chief executive officer of Kwik-Fit, said: 'This move brings greater clarity of both our offering to customers and to how we organise and manage our business. This is the first step on a path of planned growth of our core fast-fit offering and will allow us to strengthen our position in the UK fast-fit market.'

Kwik-Fit Fleet sales director Mike Wise added: 'The expansion of the Kwik-Fit GB-managed centres gives fleets access to an increased network of outlets. This development completes the structural changes following the change of ownership.

'We can now put all our energies into the development of the core fast-fit business and the Kwik-Fit brand. We are now aiming to expand our core fast-fit and mobile operations through the launch of added value products and services.'

The company said that the majority of staff affected by the Tyre Plus announcement will have their employment transferred to Kwik-Fit.