Regency Coaches acquired by Brighton & Hove
Go-Ahead-owned Brighton & Hove Buses has acquired 16 vehicles and 14 employees from Lewes-based Regency Coaches.
The vehicles and employees have joined Brighton & Hove’s Spirit of Sussex Coaches operation with immediate effect from 29 August 2024. Regency Coaches operates school and private hire services, which will continue to be served by Brighton and Hove Buses as this new period of operation begins.
This latest deal builds on Go-Ahead’s other acquisitions across England, including Pulhams Coaches and four coach companies across North and West Yorkshire, and the North East. Go-Ahead says it is now one of the largest coach operators in the UK.
A statement on Regency Coaches’ social media, signed off by Directors John and Jackie Durrant, said: “We are delighted to have reached a deal with Brighton & Hove Buses to acquire Regency Coaches and we are certain that with their experience and expertise they will continue to provide a great service to our customers, and we wish them all the very best for the future.”
“This is an exciting expansion of our coach operation to provide all customers across the South Coast with even more choice” – Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus
Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Regency Coaches to the Go-Ahead Group, and to grow our presence in the UK coach market. As a company we’re committed to connecting communities, so providing coach services across the country for schools, groups, small business and local authority partners is an important transport mode for our communities. This is an exciting expansion of our coach operation to provide all customers across the South Coast with even more choice.”
“With a larger fleet in the local area, we look forward to growing the business” – Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses
Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses, said: “We are delighted to offer a greater variety of coaching vehicles and services as part of our business. I’d also like to welcome onboard all drivers from Regency Coaches to the company. With a larger fleet in the local area, we look forward to growing the business, working with new and existing customers. Coaches are a great way to encourage people to travel more sustainably and without the stress of driving.”
A statement on Spirit of Sussex Coaches’ social media said: “We welcome customers and staff of Regency Coaches to our company. This is an exciting new opportunity to expand the business and work with new clients.”