Mullanys and Reynolds partnership
Hertfordshire based operators, Mullanys Coaches and Reynolds Diplomat, are to work in partnership from 31 October 2015. A joint statement said the deal comes at a time when both operators are in ‘very strong trading positions’ and ‘will only benefit from the efficiencies and cost savings that will accrue’. The two companies say they have shared a good relationship for some time and claim it has become clear that by working together both operators will stand to benefit from the strengths of the other. The two operators describe the move as a merger, but no formal business merger has taken place. Even though there will be financial implications and equipment will be shared, both companies will continue to be separate entities. JJ Kavanagh, the Irish parent company of Mullanys, has ‘given their blessing’ to the development. Reynolds has no parent company.
In a combined statement, Sue Viney and Sue Reynolds, Directors of the two companies, said, ‘This is an exciting move that will permit both companies to develop their individual strengths, and benefit from their synergies. We will be able to offer a wider range of services and vehicles to both contract and private hire customers. Through shared resources staff in the two companies will benefit in many ways including the provision of more bespoke, in-house, Driver CPC training courses. And if nothing else staff will always be able to say “It’s Sue’s fault!”’
The merged organisation will share a wide portfolio of both contract and private hire work covered by the Reynolds fleet with 28 O licences and Mullanys’ fleet with 52. There will be no changes to the fleets at present, but there are ‘bound to be changes for the coming year but that would happen whether or not we merged’. All staff are secure and getting to know each other, according to the Directors of the two operations. For the foreseeable future it will be ‘business as usual’ for both companies. Each is to retain their individuality and identity and it will only be behind the scenes that the symbiosis will be nurtured. Sue Reynolds said, ‘Behind the scenes we will be working towards the improvements that will come from increased purchasing power, shared resources, shared experiences and “best practice”.’