WINDHOEK – Hertz South Africa, one of Southern Africa’s oldest car rental companies and a division of Unitrans Automotive, which is a member of the JD Group, has reached an arrangement whereby Hangala Group, a diversified Namibian investment company, will acquire 30 percent of the issued shares of Hertz Namibia through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hangala Motors.
Hertz Namibia is one of the leading car rental companies in Namibia and, until now, has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hertz South Africa. Hangala Group has interests in financial services, construction, property development, motor vehicles, resources and agribusiness.
“We are happy to consolidate our relationship with Hangala Group, with whom we have had a long relationship dating from 2010 when they acquired a Hertz agency in Ondangwa in the north of Namibia,” said Hertz CEO Wils Raubenheimer. “Our line-up ranges from economical runabouts to luxurious sedans and air-conditioned microbuses to rugged 4x4s,” noted Raubenheimer.
“We pride ourselves on being well-positioned to provide solutions for every renter’s needs – from one day to monthly or more – whatever they might require in locations throughout South Africa and Namibia,” remarked Raubenheimer. In addition to conventional car rental services, such as self and planned chauffeur drives, deliveries and collections, as well as one-way rentals, Hertz also offers baby seats for younger travellers, among others.
“Our aim is to grow and expand our activities in Namibia, serve our customers and contribute to the economic growth of the country. As one of the largest car rental companies in the world, Hertz is well positioned to achieve these aims and provide our tourists, corporate and government customers, the best service ordinarily associated with our brand,” he added.
In terms of the agreement, Hangala Group will appoint two members to the board of directors of Hertz Namibia and Dr Leake Hangala, executive chairman of Hangala Group, will become the non-executive chairman of the board. “Tourism is a strategic growth point for the Namibian economy in addition to being a major employer and company, Hangala Group is pleased to be expanding in this sector, in particular as a partner to a global brand such as Hertz,” said Dr Hangala.
By Staff Reporter