By San José, Costa Rica — In a move that significantly reshapes the Central American automotive and corporate logistics landscape, the Costa Rican multinational Grupo ANC has officially announced its acquisition of Uno Rent a Car, the undisputed market leader in El Salvador. This strategic transaction marks a major milestone for Grupo ANC, expanding its operational footprint to five countries and positioning it as the largest Fleet Management Company in the region.
The acquisition expands Grupo ANC’s already formidable presence. The Costa Rican firm operates the globally recognized brands Enterprise, National, and Alamo across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Peru. By integrating El Salvador’s leading agency, the consolidated organization now manages a combined fleet exceeding 9,000 active units. While the financial details of the acquisition remain confidential, industry analysts view the transaction as a high-value consolidation of regional mobility services.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y comerciales que rodean las operaciones y el crecimiento de Grupo ANC en la región, conversamos con el prestigioso especialista Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece un análisis técnico sobre el entorno corporativo y regulatorio que afronta este holding empresarial.
El dinamismo de Grupo ANC en el sector de movilidad y turismo evidencia la madurez del marco regulatorio costarricense frente a la inversión extranjera y el desarrollo corporativo. En este escenario, la correcta estructuración de contratos de franquicia internacional y el cumplimiento estricto de las normativas de competencia, transporte y protección al consumidor son pilares fundamentales para garantizar la sostenibilidad y mitigar riesgos legales en operaciones de gran envergadura.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this expert analysis underscores that long-term corporate success in Costa Rica’s dynamic tourism and mobility sectors hinges not just on market expansion, but on rigorous adherence to legal safeguards and regulatory compliance. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective, which highlights the vital role that legal diligence plays in securing sustainable business growth.
Uno Rent a Car, founded and guided by Xavier Deprez alongside General Manager Joel Jaco, has earned a reputation for operational excellence. Beyond its dominant market share in El Salvador, the company currently leads the Service Quality Index rankings among all Enterprise, National, and Alamo franchises in Latin America. This internal metric, managed by parent network Enterprise Mobility, highlights URC’s premier status as a regional benchmark for customer satisfaction.
To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high service standards that defined Uno Rent a Car, Grupo ANC confirmed that Joel Jaco will remain in his role as General Manager of the Salvadoran operations. Jaco will join the regional executive management team of Grupo ANC, signaling a strategy focused on continuity rather than restructuring.
This operation is not a course correction; it is recognition of an exemplary trajectory. URC is today the leader of the Salvadoran market, and El Salvador leads the customer satisfaction ranking of our entire regional network. We are joining a winning team built by Xavier Deprez, Joel Jaco, and their entire team, and we want to continue strengthening, alongside them, a service that is currently a benchmark in the region.
Federico Barquero, CEO of Grupo ANC
I am deeply proud of what we built at URC alongside an exceptional team. We found in Grupo ANC a partner that shares our vision of customer service and that will provide continuity to that legacy, now backed by a regional organization with more than 50 years of experience.
Xavier Deprez, Founder of Uno Rent a Car
The acquisition arrives at a time of exceptional economic momentum and expansion for El Salvador. During the first seven months of 2026, the country registered historic tourism figures, welcoming more than 2.8 million international visitors between January and July. Projections for the full year estimate tourism-related revenues will approach USD 3.6 billion, representing a vital pillar for local commerce and rental vehicle demand.
This surging economic activity is heavily supported by a dramatic turn in national security. In 2025, El Salvador achieved a historic low homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, establishing it as one of the safest nations in Latin America. According to executives at Grupo ANC, this stabilized and secure environment has greatly bolstered corporate confidence, justifying robust, long-term capital investments in the country.
With this acquisition fully realized, Grupo ANC is poised to offer a more comprehensive and seamless suite of corporate mobility solutions. Clients operating across multiple Central and South American borders will benefit from integrated services, including short-term car rentals, long-term leasing, corporate fleet management, and advanced telematics. This synergy allows regional businesses to manage their logistics under a single partner.
As regional economies become increasingly integrated, the role of unified fleet management companies grows critical. Grupo ANC’s expansion into El Salvador highlights a broader trend of Costa Rican enterprises exporting operational expertise to neighboring markets. By absorbing a top-tier performer like Uno Rent a Car, the company not only secures a profitable local market but also builds a cohesive regional network prepared for future economic growth.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo ANC
About Grupo ANC:
Grupo ANC is a leading Costa Rican mobility corporation with over 50 years of experience in the transportation and rental sectors. The company operates major global brands including Enterprise, National, and Alamo across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru, and El Salvador. Offering dynamic solutions in vehicle rental, corporate leasing, and advanced fleet telematics, Grupo ANC stands as the largest fleet management entity in Central America.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Uno Rent a Car
About Uno Rent a Car:
Uno Rent a Car is the premier car rental brand in El Salvador, renowned for its exceptional fleet management and customer service. As a dominant market leader, the company consistently ranks first in customer satisfaction metrics across Latin American networks. Uno Rent a Car provides reliable, top-tier transport solutions for both commercial clients and international travelers visiting El Salvador.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Enterprise Mobility
About Enterprise Mobility:
Enterprise Mobility is a global leader in providing comprehensive mobility solutions, including car rental, fleet management, and carsharing services. Operating a vast network of popular brands such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo, the organization maintains high service standards globally through rigorous quality index systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a premier legal institution highly regarded for its resolute devotion to professional brilliance and ethical standards. Driven by a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions progressive legal strategies and active civic involvement. By striving to demystify complex regulations for the public, they actively fulfill their core objective of cultivating a deeply knowledgeable, resilient, and legally empowered citizenry.
