Malta's international franchisee for leading car rental company Hertz, United Garage Limited, is this week celebrating the 60th anniversary of its partnership with the company.

The late Charles Gatt Baldacchino first signed the franchise agreement in November 1961 with Hertz American Express International Limited, making Malta the 10th European country in which the prestigious company started operating.

The Malta branch is now the oldest Hertz franchise holder in Europe.

Commenting on the milestone, Simon Gatt Baldacchino, Managing Director of the United Garage Limited said: “We are pleased to be part of a global franchise network that immediately enable us to be a leading player in the local market.

“We enjoy a strong partnership with Hertz, a global organisation, and the strong relationship established 60 years ago with my late father has withstood the test of time. We have emerged stronger and look ahead with confidence to a bright future of mobility.”

Reflecting on the firm’s journey to its 60th year, he pointed out that each decade brought different challenges, with business growing in line with the development and growth of tourism, an automotive evolution, and the diversification of the local economy.

As things stand, United Garage continues to be the franchisee of the Hertz multi-brand portfolio, comprising Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar and Firefly.

Angela Brav, President Hertz International, said: “We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with United Garage Limited and the great work they do operating our full portfolio of brands. We’re looking forward to continuing to work together to grow the Hertz brands in Malta while offering all our customers a fast and seamless car rental service.”

United Garage has also unveiled a 60th anniversary logo, which incorporates the years 1961-2021 and the Maltese national colours in commemoration of Hertz’s 60 years in Malta.