PARIS and MANCHESTER, N.H., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Merchants Leasing is proud to announce the acquisition of ALD Automotive USA, the North American arm of ALD Automotive, one of the largest fleet providers in Europe. As a result of this transaction, Merchants Leasing will acquire ALD's US customer base and a fleet of about 3,300 vehicles and reinforce its leading position in fleet leasing and fleet management industry serving the corporate and governmental markets.

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The transaction became effective on August 31, 2010.

ALD Automotive will continue to manage new businesses and large operations on the American market through its global commercial partnership with Wheels Inc. signed in 2009.

Merchants and ALD's staff are working to ensure an effective transition such that ALD's customers do not experience any gaps in service or other interruptions in the day-to-day operations of their fleet. Clients, suppliers or other industry providers with any questions about ALD Automotive USA can contact the company at 608-443-3589 or by visiting their website, www.aldautomotive.us

About Merchants Leasing

Merchants Leasing provides customers nationwide a total fleet solution, which includes its unique No Risk closed-end lease option. Other comprehensive services include insurance and maintenance programs, fuel cards to manage mileage and gasoline expenses, roadside assistance, accident and risk management, telematics, local and nationwide delivery, and expert fleet management and administration. Merchants leases a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks and vans, law enforcement vehicles, handicap-equipped vehicles and more. Merchants Leasing is part of Hooksett based Merchants Automotive Group, Inc. and a Singer Family Company which includes Merchants Auto, Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts. For more information about Merchants Leasing, visit the company's website at www.merchantsleasing.com.

About ALD Automotive

ALD Automotive is the operational leasing and fleet management business line of the Societe Generale group. ALD Automotive is one of the largest providers in Europe and a company of reference on its market :

• Operates now in 39 countries,
• Employs 3 700 persons,
• Manages 815 728 vehicles (June 2010)

Combining professionalism and quality of services ALD Automotive provides companies with value-added integrated solutions at both national and international levels. For more information about ALD Automotive, visit the company's website at www.aldautomotive.com.

About Wheels - ALD Automotive

Wheels, Inc., which pioneered the concept of auto leasing in 1939, provides a full range of specialized services to help organizations manage their vehicle fleets. Wheels - ALD Automotive manages more than 305,000 vehicles. Its holding company, Frank Consolidated Enterprises, at $2 billion currently ranks as the largest privately held fleet management company and one of the largest private companies in North America. www.wheels-aldautomotive.com

    For more information contact:
    Dennis Cavagnaro
    603-695-9234
    denniscavagnaro@merchantsleasing.com

SOURCE Merchants Leasing