A New Driving Force as DriveTech (UK) and Driving Services Merge - October 2007

Today, the boards of DriveTech (UK) plc and Driving Services UK Limited have announced that the two companies have merged to create a new force in the fleet risk management, driver assessment and driver education marketplaces.

As a result, Doug Jenkins, founder and owner of Driving Services, joins the DriveTech board as an executive director with responsibility for strategic sales development, with immediate effect.

Customers and partners of the two businesses are currently being informed of the merger and that it is ‘business as usual’.

At present, it is proposed that the two companies continue to trade as separate entities. However, this decision will be reviewed next year in order to ensure that the merged businesses are operating to their fullest potential. As part of the merger, it is proposed that the Driving Services offices in Ledsham, Cheshire will close and be relocated to DriveTech’s headquarters in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

Chris Howell, DriveTech’s founder and chairman said: “We’re absolutely delighted to make this announcement. We have been working on this merger for some time. It is not just a merger of any two businesses - it is a merger of two market-leading, successful, debt free and profitable companies, with similar ambitions and culture, that have chosen to come together to provide a complete service with clear synergistic benefits to both sets of loyal customers.”

“In reality, DriveTech and Driving Services have, for some time, seen each other as their biggest competitor, very often down to the last two when bidding for contracts. Our similar approaches of quality delivery and matching services to customers’ requirements together with Doug’s expertise and track record gained over many years means we will now be able to build an even stronger presence in our industry.”

“Each company has unique resources in terms of people, technology, products and operations. Bringing them together will provide a compelling proposition to the marketplace utilising the key strengths and assets of both to produce "best of breed" risk management, driver assessment and educational solutions for all road users.”

Doug Jenkins, Driving Services’ owner said: “I’ve known Chris for many years and I’m truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am in no doubt that together we can build even more rapidly on our combined strengths that are already evident within the two markets in which we operate – corporate fleet services for organisations that operate vehicle fleets and police diversionary schemes such as driver improvement courses and speed awareness workshops for members of the public.

“The timing is absolutely right for the marketplace and, in my opinion, we’ve found the perfect match. We each have premier market positions and so both sets of customers and business partners will, without doubt, benefit from the combined resources of the merger. Indeed, they can rest assured that we will continue to deliver great products and services that improve road safety for them, their company and all other road users.”