Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Avis Budget Acquires Budget Licensee in So. Calif., Las Vegas

Avis Budget Group Inc. has agreed to acquire its Budget Car Rental licensee for Southern California and Las Vegas for approximately $210 million, plus the cost of acquired fleet.

by Staff
October 24, 2014
Avis Budget Acquires Budget Licensee in So. Calif., Las Vegas

Morris (Morey) Mirkin started Budget Rent A Car in Beverly Hills in 1958.

2 min to read


Avis Budget Group Inc. has agreed to acquire its Budget Car Rental licensee for Southern California and Las Vegas for approximately $210 million, plus the cost of acquired fleet.

The acquisition is expected to add $100 million of revenue and more than $25 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Avis Budget Group, after synergies, and is scheduled to close in fourth quarter 2014 — subject to customary closing conditions, according to the company.

Ad Loading...

The Budget licensee operates directly at Los Angeles International Airport and Burbank Bob Hope Airport, as well as many local market locations throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It also generates licensing income from its sub-licensees that operate throughout Southern California and in Las Vegas.

"This substantial property is the largest Budget licensee in North America and has been on our acquisition target list for a long time,” said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group chairman and chief executive officer. “I'm pleased that we will be able to acquire this strategic asset at a multiple that will be accretive to earnings."

"Southern California is one of the largest gateway markets for inbound travelers in North America, and operating both the Avis and Budget brands there will allow us to capture more of this profitable business, as well as drive significant revenue and cost synergies," added Nelson.

Budget Car Rental has operated in southern California since being founded by the Mirkin family in 1958, and the licensee held a long-standing, exclusive, royalty-free right to use the Budget brand there. This acquisition includes owned operations at Los Angeles International Airport, the largest airport in the United States based on revenue, says Avis.

Morris (Morey) Mirkin started Budget Rent A Car in Beverly Hills in 1958.

In addition, sub-licensed locations such as Orange County's John Wayne International Airport, San Diego International Airport and Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport will now become licensees of Avis Budget Group, and the company will now receive royalties from them.

Ad Loading...

"This investment will enable us to substantially increase our off-airport presence in southern California, capturing a larger share of this important car rental market," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. "In addition, we will be able to immediately leverage the existing infrastructure of our existing Avis brand in the region to expand the Budget footprint, enhance brand loyalty and increase our profitable revenue growth."

Avis Budget expects to fund the acquisition with available cash and incremental corporate debt borrowings, says the company.


More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...