ALD Automotive and its North American partner Wheels Inc. have signed a strategic partnership with South African-based company Absa Vehicle Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd (AVMS) that will increase the partnership’s reach to assist clients in 46 countries.

AVMS is a fleet management service provider in South Africa and is part of Absa Bank Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Barclays Africa Group Limited. The agreement with ALD Automotive and Wheels will provide extended support to international clients with operations in South Africa, according to the companies.

With its network of partners in Australia and New Zealand (Fleet Partners), in Ireland (J&P) and in South Africa (Absa), the association of Wheels and ALD offers the best geographical coverage available in the market and will manage over 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, according to the companies.

This strategic initiative does not involve any asset purchase or share transfer between the partners, according to the companies.