Kings Ferry acquires Stewarts
National Express-owned The Kings Ferry Group has acquired Stewarts Coaches Group, based near Reading, and its subsidiary Woods Coaches of Leicester, which also runs as Stewarts Tours.
The Kings Ferry says part of the attraction and synergy of Stewarts is its dominance of the corporate hire market.
Stewarts Coaches has a broad span of work, including private and corporate hire, holidays and day trips through the Woods satellite, and has run a courtesy commuter shuttle into Thames Valley Park from Reading, using Mercedes-Benz Citaros, since 2012.
Stewarts has been among the first UK operators to join the DVSA’s Earned Recognition pilot scheme, and is a leading light in the Guild of British Coach Operators. It runs an in-house training academy and has a driver incentive scheme to retain the best drivers
“This truly puts Stewarts and Woods Coaches into an enviable position being part of a multi-billion International company which has safety at its absolute core,” said Andy Cotton, Managing Director at Stewarts, who will be remaining with the company for a minimum two years.
Ian Fraser, Managing Director of The Kings Ferry says he’s keen to engage with both teams and learn not only the day to day business, but the people, and what makes it a success. Andy and Ian have been both friends and professional acquaintances for a number of years and both are excited by the opportunity of working together and joining forces.
“Stewarts is a high-quality operation with exceptional customers and people. We have no plans to change what has made it a success, they really are a welcomed addition to the Kings Ferry Group and National Express family,” said Ian.
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