A NEW management team including some of the fleet industry's most well-known figures has taken control of Leasedrive Holdings after securing the company in a £45 million deal.

The purchase covers Leasedrive Vehicle Management and Countrywide vehicle rental.

Roger Partridge becomes chief executive, Roddy Graham commercial director and David Bird chief operating officer.

Bird was previously chief operating officer with Arval PHH until 2001, when he joined Shell Auto Finance as chief operating officer.

Graham was formerly managing director of Budget Rent a Car and was also founding managing director of Ignition Vehicle Management.

Partridge, who was previously managing director of Leasedrive, said: 'For more than a decade we have built up and retained a loyal customer base through high quality service delivery. Our aim is to maintain and enhance our strong position by significantly re-investing in the business and launching an integrated range of product and service innovations.

'Our new senior management team has to be one of the most experienced in the fleet industry. They will bring added value to the company.'