HispanicBusiness

LONDON -- (Marketwire) -- 03/05/13 -- Enterprise Rent-A-Car has announced the appointment of its third European franchisee this year, Sfakianakis Group, as yet another step in its commitment to establish the flagship brand as a global car rental provider.

Following Enterprise Rent-A-Car's recent expansion into France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, and combined with its established presence in the UK, Ireland and Germany, this latest agreement in Greece will give the brand access to countries that together represent almost 90 percent of the European rental market.

With Sfakianakis Group receiving territorial franchise rights across other contiguous countries in South Eastern Europe, the relationship also opens the door to further expansion. Other territories covered include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.

Greece is one of the top 10 most popular tourist destinations in Europe with over 16 million tourists each year, making this new partnership a significant opportunity to grow the Enterprise brand. The ability to develop a network in the surrounding countries adds incredible strategic benefit to the relationship. The acquisitions of Citer in France and ATESA in Spain, together with the arrangements in Portugal, Italy and Greece, demonstrate how Enterprise is committed to developing a European network fully able to meet the increasing needs of both domestic and international leisure and business travelers.

Founded in 1957, Sfakianakis Group is the largest automotive group in Greece, operating several motor related businesses, including the import and distribution of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, construction and agricultural and industrial machinery. The leasing and rental arm of the Group, Executive Lease, with whom the master franchisee agreement will be operated, was founded in 1998 to provide leasing and rental services to the local market. Currently operating some 52 locations across mainland Greece and its islands, including at major airports, Executive Lease prides itself on its award-winning commitment to customer service.

This latest partnership continues the European expansion of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand. With Enterprise Holdings and its brands already recognized as having the largest global network, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is rapidly establishing itself as a significant pan-European leader in car rental.

"This is yet another opportunity to establish the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in countries where our customers are asking us to be. Rental continues to be recognized as affordable and convenient for businesses and leisure travelers," said Jim Burrell, senior vice president, European operations, for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. "Our commitment to be the best transportation service provider in the world remains unchanged. This is reflected in the values of Sfakianakis Group, and their track record in customer service. We look forward to developing this relationship further and establishing our brand in even more countries in the region."