Enterprise Rent-A-Car U.K. has signed an agreement to acquire Romsey-based SHB Hire, a family-owned vehicle hire and management business.

The acquisition will provide Enterprise with the opportunity to create one of the largest commercial vehicle rental companies in the country. With more than 100,000 vehicles, Enterprise is already the U.K.’s largest rental car company.

Following regulatory approval, SHB Hire will operate under the Enterprise Flex-E-Rent brand to create one of the U.K.’s largest and most diverse commercial vehicle rental companies with more than 45,000 vehicles. 

The agreement with SHB Hire is consistent with the company’s approach to diversifying its Enterprise Flex-E-Rent business both organically and through strategic acquisition in response to customer demand for greater choice. Following completion, both Enterprise and SHB Hire customers will be able to access the company's full range of services, expertise, and technologies.

SHB Hire operates from 16 key locations nationwide and offers a diverse fleet of over 18,500 vehicles ranging from cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, golf buggies and all-terrain vehicles, 4x4s, HGV tippers, and specialist HGVs. The company has also won many industry awards.

Over the last 10 years Enterprise has invested $2.4 billion in acquiring a multitude of rental, mobility, and technology companies across the world to provide customers with better choice and access to vehicles to suit their requirements.