Equity Investors back new multi-operator coach group business

Tom Stables

Tom Stables

Private equity backers and senior managers formerly with two of the Uk's biggest bus and coach groups have helped seven independent operators from around the country, including the South East, Midlands, Lancashire, The North East and North Wales come togther as a new business aiming to be a significant player in the coach market. The CEO of the business says it has “an ambitious growth strategy that will include further acquisitions”.

Principal new investor H2 Equity Partners has an existing  portfolio that includes interests in healthcare, electronics, offshore equipment, online retailing and recruitment. It says that its business model is “to partner with management and other stakeholders to deliver ambitious growth or improvement plans” but notes that individual company leaders “are responsible for the going concern”.

Formation of the Coach Travel Group is seen as a major development  for the sector. It comprises Alpine Travel of North Wales, Barnes Coaches of Swindon, Coatham Coaches of Saltburn, JH Coaches of Chester-le Street, Johnsons Coaches of Henley-in-Arden, Swans Travel of Oldham and The Ready Group of Slough. Between them there are around 700 employees and 450 vehicles. Each local brand will be retained.

CEO of the group is former National Express UK and Germany CEO Tom Stables. He says that the business “will undoubtedly change the shape and look of our industry” and that his vision is for it “to be the leading national coach travel provider,” wanting the group “to serve the whole of the UK by leveraging the combined strengths of our local operators”.

H2 Equity is a major  shareholder alongside  many of the managers of the formerly independent businesses. A “deal team” from H2 typically involves two or three individuals that remain with the business concerned, the investor adds. Among directors of The Coach Travel Group are H2 Equity Partners Senior Partner Simon Gilbert and Investment Director Edward Mortimore. Also part of Group’s leadership is former Go-Ahead Group Business Development Director Peter Robinson as Chief Operating Officer. Robinson was responsible for a number of business acquisitions that saw Go-Ahead enter  new bus markets

H2 says it will work closely with Stables and the constituent stakeholders “to leverage the combined strengths of the seven operators and drive investment in its people, fleet and technology to deliver a best-in-class service to its customers.” Tom  Stables adds: “By bringing together these renowned and trusted regional operators under one roof, we are setting the stage for an unparalleled travel experience. We are committed to being at the forefront of the industry.”

Other senior figures in The Coach Travel Group are Executive Directors Tim Bloomfield, Matt Clayson, Peter Robinson and Keiran Swindells, and Chief Finance Officer Aaron Kelly.