Dawsongroup has acquired the trade, business and assets of Transflex, a subsidiary of TOM Vehicle Rental which went into administration last month.

The acquisition involves more than 3,600 vans and secures 80 jobs across the van rental business at four UK locations and significantly strengthens Dawsongroup’s operation.

TOM Vehicle Rental group collapsed following challenging trading conditions.

The commercial vehicle hire, sales and services business employed 428 people and operated a fleet of more than 16,000 commercial vehicles, including vans, trucks, trailers and cars from 15 depots nationwide.

Steve Miller said: “The troubles of the TOM Group show how tough the rental business has been for some companies.

“It is fortunate that our own business has shown strong growth over the years, and continues to do so, so we undertake this rescue with confidence. Confidence in the Transflex team, confidence in the quality of their fleet, and confidence in our own ability to put the two operations together to make an even stronger whole.

“What we will bring to the mix is a strong customer focus, supported by proven management styles and disciplines honed while developing our own hard-earned success over the past 40 years.”

The acquisition increases Dawsongroup’s van fleet to around 9,000 vehicles. The Milton Keynes-based rental, leasing and finance operation has eight locations in its van business, and this will now rise to 12.

Colin Dempster, joint administrator at EY (Ernst & Young), added: “This has been a difficult time for staff in recent weeks and I would like to thank them for their patience and support.

“We are pleased to have secured the future of the business and the employees and wish them well with Dawsongroup.”