Enterprise Holdings is to expand its portfolio of car rental brands in Brazil with an investment in Unidas.

Enterprise Holdings is to take a 20% stake in Brazilian rental firm Unidas

Unidas and Enterprise Holdings – which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands – became franchise partners in 2012. For the past four years, Unidas has been operating National and Alamo locations in airport and city locations throughout Brazil.

Once the transaction is completed later this year, Enterprise Holdings will hold a 20% stake in Unidas and have a seat on the company’s board of directors. The transaction also extends Unidas’ Master Franchise Agreement until 2031. In addition, Enterprise Holdings’ entire portfolio of car rental brands will be offered throughout Brazil, including its flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand.

Unidas currently operates a total fleet of approximately 46,000 vehicles for both its rental and fleet management businesses, and serves both leisure and business customers from 215 locations across Brazil. That includes a corporate network of 94 branches in 48 cities, and a franchising network with 121 locations across 101 cities throughout the country.

“Both companies quickly learned that our fundamental values and strategic priorities are closely aligned, which makes our partnership that much more successful and meaningful,” said Peter A Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “We look forward to growing all three of our car rental brands throughout Brazil for many years to come.”