Budget Car Rental adopts new name

BIDVEST Car Rental, a subsidiary of listed Bidvest, will cease to operate as Budget car, van and truck rental in southern Africa effective from tomorrow and trade in future as Bidvest Car Rental. Business Report reported last week that Bidvest’s exclusive franchise to rent cars and vans under the Budget brand was at risk because its franchise agreement with Avis Budget Group was due to expire and it had not yet been renewed. Lindsay Ralphs, Bidvest South Africa’s chief executive, said yesterday that the separation discussions had followed in the spirit of their long-standing relationship with Avis and both parties were committed to ensuring there were no disruptions to customers and partners. – Roy Cokayne