Avis Budget Group Inc. announced Oct. 15 that its Business Support Center (BSC) in Budapest, Hungary will be adding 235 new positions.

The expansion will save costs and streamline financial, administrative and customer service processes for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Expanding the shared services center is another way for the company to integrate its operations within Europe following the acquisition of Avis Europe plc last year. Avis Budget Group's acquisition synergies are now expected to provide more than $35 million in annual benefits by late 2012 including the BSC initiative.

Avis Budget became one of the first international companies to establish a regional service center in Hungary when the facility began operations in 2004. There will be approximately 550 total BSC employees with the new positions with communication skills in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

"Our Business Support Center expansion will enhance our customer service, and further drive efficiency throughout the region," said Larry De Shon, president, EMEA, Avis Budget Group. "The initiative will better position Avis Budget EMEA for sustained, profitable growth, and at the same time will create significant employment opportunities in Hungary."