ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Payless Car Rental System Inc. has partnered with A&R Management Consulting LLC and FleetMax Corp. to provide franchisees with operational support and fleet management services.

Payless' parent company, Avalon Global Group Inc., announced the partnerships as part of the an ongoing growth strategy.

"This move gives our franchisees access to industry experts who are leaders in providing services that otherwise would not be available to an individual operator," said Michael Harley, president and chief operating officer of Payless Car Rental System.

A&R Management Consulting LLC provides franchisees financial and operational support. Services include detailed budgets, financial forecasts, marketing plans, on-site assessments, standardized reporting and management tools.

To assist in fleet planning and inventory management, FleetMax identifies seasonal vehicle inventory needs. The company will purchase and secure the vehicles on behalf of Payless Car Rental and ship them directly to franchisees. "Lower vehicle acquisitions costs, predetermined monthly depreciation costs and ease of disposal at end of term are key benefits," said Frank Stephens, president of FleetMax Corp. "Our buying power, coupled with a guaranteed depreciation program, relieves the franchisee of many responsibilities so they can concentrate on growing the business."