LJ Edwards acquired by Ready Group

LJ Edwards’ brand and digital assets have been purchased by The Ready Group, owners of the Slough-based Readybus brand.

After announcing its closure earlier this month (see B&CB issue 1643, 13 January 2023), LJ Edwards is now once again offering trips and tours.

The holidays will be fulfilled by Readytours, which is part of The Ready Group.

“From a business perspective, having the historically strong brand of LJ Edwards as part of our group is vital as we continue to make growth” – Ready Group co-owner, Matt Clayson

Co-owner of The Ready Group, which also includes Readybus, turbostyle, and Arena Travel, Matt Clayson, said: “We’re delighted to be able to reach a deal to continue the LJ Edwards brand and keep it alive for its customers.

“We will be in touch with those clients who unfortunately had bookings cancelled, and look at offering them the trips and tours that they had previously booked on, along with new ones that we already provide.

“The LJ Edwards brand shared the same people-centric values as The Ready Group, and we’ll be doing our utmost to make customers happy, as satisfaction will always be our top priority.

“From a business perspective, having the historically strong brand of LJ Edwards as part of our group is vital as we continue to make growth.

“We’re always looking to add to The Ready Group portfolio when the right opportunity arrives, and this deal was done very quickly when we became aware of the situation.

“The one thing it does mean is we’re expanding our search for drivers, something we know is a struggle for many operators currently.

“And anyone joining The Ready Group can be assured that we look after our staff, which is why we have given everyone a significant 25% pay increase since late 2021.”

Physical assets, including the coaches, were not part of the deal.

• Matt Clayson of The Ready Group talks to B&CB about how his operation is looking ahead to a brighter future in our latest issue, available to view on Wednesday 25 January here.