Online travel services provider Priceline.com has acquired Manchester-based TravelJigsaw, a multinational car hire reservation service.

While the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, Priceline.com confirmed it intends to retain TravelJigsaw’s current management team, who will maintain a minority ownership stake in the company.

Established in 2004, TravelJigsaw claims to be the fastest growing online car rental agency in the world.

It offers car hire services in more than 4,000 locations in 80 countries – including offices in North America, South & Central America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.

“We believe TravelJigsaw will be a valuable addition to our group of fast-growing international businesses,” explained Priceline.com chief executive officer Jeffery Boyd.

“TravelJigsaw has a strong management team with a growth strategy that complements our own, and we look forward to working with Greg Wills and his team.”

Customers using TravelJigsaw can book online through one of TravelJigsaw’s branded websites, or they can reserve their cars by phone.

TravelJigsaw

The company offers a full range of vehicles so international travellers are able to rent cars and vans they are familiar with at home.

“TravelJigsaw is excited to become part of the Priceline group and will benefit from increased awareness for our brands and resources for our business,” said TravelJigsaw’s managing director Gregory Wills.

“We also look forward to working with the teams at Booking.com, priceline.com and Agoda.com to strengthen our offerings and build distribution for our services.”