NationaLease has established a private equity fund to "enable effective ownership transition of existing NationaLease members
and provide an opportunity for new ownership to gain viable entry as an independent lessor in the truck leasing and rental industry," said Roger Welling, senior VP, NationaLease.

The goal is to preserve and promote the legacy of the independent truck lessor, protect jobs, give customers clear alternatives, and continue to strengthen NationaLease, an already 700-plus location strong organization representing more than 150,000 vehicles, Welling said.

"Consolidation continues to be a reality for all industries including ours," Welling said. "It poses a threat, but also presents significant opportunities. When events like this happen in our industry, members work hard to regain that business, which they have historically been very successful at. They are successful because we are in a service business and people do business with people."

Welling provided some statistics to support his view: NationaLease members grew their combined fleets more than 5% over the last two years. In addition, seven new members were added in 2007 bringing the total to 187 members.

Doug Clark, NationaLease president and CEO states, "We have grown both organically and through the addition of new members and locations. We are a customer-focused organization and will continue to provide the level of flexibility and superior service.