Johnsons, the long-established Midlands operator has made the decision, to sell its Excelbus operation to Rotala Plc’s subsidiary, Diamond Bus Limited. The deal includes 18 buses and other assets; the deal is expected to be concluded on Sunday 29th May and will increase Rotala’s presence in Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
Posted on Facebook last night by Johnsons:
Johnsons ‘Excelbus’ Bus Services to be taken over by Diamond Bus Ltd.
Please note that Johnsons holidays, excursions, private hire and School service operations are not part of this agreement.
Peter Johnson, our Operations Director says, “As we look forward and consider the challenges of meeting the needs of air quality and environmental issues, through electric, and then hydrogen powered vehicles, we have decided that we must now focus on building our coach business in terms of holidays, day trips, private coach hire and school services.
Therefore, we have made the decision to sell our ‘Excelbus’ operations to Rotala PLC’s subsidiary, Diamond Bus Limited.
This announcement brings to an end our involvement in local bus services, after nearly 23 years of operation. The deal includes 18 buses and other assets and is expected to be concluded on 29th May. This will increase Rotala’s presence in Warwickshire and the West Midlands as the deal includes all bus services currently provided by ourselves, including the X20 Stratford – Solihull service, the 150 Redditch – Birmingham services and Stratford’s Park and Ride services.
All our ‘Excelbus’ commercial and tendered work, plus most drivers and some operating staff will join the Diamond Bus West Midlands operation, working from Diamond’s existing depot at Redditch. Simon Dunn, Rotala Chief Executive, says that the vehicles will rapidly be rebranded into the Diamond Bus livery. While the buses move to Diamond Bus, Johnsons will continue to operate 45 coaches and employ 180 staff under our existing long-established family brand name.
John Johnson, Commercial Director, adds, “We are proud to continue to offer the high-quality coach services Johnsons is known for. As an industry leader and multi-award winner we are committed to growing our coach business for the long term, and we look forward to continuing to provide a high quality and friendly service for our customers.
”You’ll be pleased to know that most of our bus drivers are being taken on by Diamond Bus, so although the name on the buses and the livery will be different, you will continue to see some familiar friendly faces at the wheel!
On behalf of all of us here at Johnsons, we would like to thank all our bus service customers, who have supported us over many years; your patronage and loyalty is very much appreciated. We hope that you will continue to travel with us until Sunday 29th May and that you will have no hesitation to travel with Diamond Bus from Monday 30th May onwards.
Finally, at this point in time as this sale is announced, we do want to offer our heart-felt thanks, to all of our bus drivers, whether long standing or those who have more recently joined us, for their great service, support and loyalty. Again, it is very much appreciated.
Thank you.
From Peter and John Johnson.
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