Avis Budget Group Inc. and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. released Tuesday the following joint statement:

Following the termination of Dollar Thrifty's merger agreement with Hertz Global Holdings Inc., Dollar Thrifty and Avis Budget have agreed to cooperate with respect to Avis Budget's efforts to pursue antitrust clearance of the proposed acquisition by Avis Budget of Dollar Thrifty.

Avis Budget reaffirmed its commitment to diligently pursue antitrust clearance, as well as its commitment to continue to pursue an acquisition of Dollar Thrifty on the previously announced terms. However, Dollar Thrifty has requested that Avis Budget not commence an exchange offer at this time, as the parties work cooperatively with the antitrust authorities, and Avis Budget has agreed to defer doing so.

There can be no assurance on the timing or outcome of the efforts to secure antitrust clearance for the proposed transaction, that any agreement with respect to a transaction will be reached, or as to the timing or terms thereof.

Avis Budget and Dollar Thrifty do not intend to make further announcements with respect to this matter unless so required under applicable law. 

Citigroup and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as financial advisors to Avis Budget Group, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Arnold & Porter LLP are acting as legal counsel.  Dollar Thrifty is being advised by J.P. Morgan and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.