Battersby/Travellers Choice deal finalised

Restructuring and advisory firm, FRP Advisory, has confirmed that the business and accompanying assets of Harrison’s Coaches (Morecambe) Ltd, trading as Battersby Silver Grey, has been sold out of administration to John Shaw & Sons Ltd, trading as Travellers Choice. B&CB originally announced that this deal was to take place in issue 1312, 30 January 2015. The sale ensures a continuity of service to all the company’s key customers and secures the jobs of all 30 staff employed. FRP Advisory partners, Russell Cash and Ben Woolrych, were appointed Joint Administrators to the Company on 28 January 2015. When attempts to obtain further investment to safeguard a long term future for the business could not be found, the directors were forced to seek the protection of administration, allowing for the business to continue as a going concern. The sale to Travellers Choice allows it to continue to trade as normal under new ownership and from the same premises in Morecambe, Lancashire.

Partner at FRP Advisory and Joint Administrator, Russell Cash, said, ‘The sale of Battersby Silver Grey to Travellers Choice provides the best possible solution for the Company’s array of local and regional customers, all 30 staff and the local economy it supports. The company unfortunately failed to receive the investment it was promised when Bakerbus and King Long Direct became involved around 15 months ago. We were therefore determined to make every effort to secure the future that this long standing business deserves. The marketing process attracted many approaches and we engaged with a number of interested parties before proceeding with Travellers Choice which offered the best outcome for creditors and a viable future. We wish Battersby Silver Grey the very best under its new ownership.’