Reg’s Coaches to take on Shaws after ‘whirlwind’ of discussion
Reg’s Coaches of Hertfordshire is to acquire Cambridgeshire-based Shaws Coaches.
B&CB reported in its 7 March 2025 issue (1698) that Shaws of Maxey was to close down due to the management team planning to retire. It announced it would run its fleet until 2 May 2025.
The news of the Shaws management’s retirement sparked the interest of investors and after what the team described as a ‘whirlwind’ of discussions and negotiations, a take-over deal has been agreed with Reg’s Coaches.
Reg’s Coaches, based in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, was founded in 1962 and the team at Shaws says the business has the ‘supportive family feel that has been key to our own success’.
“For us, this presents the perfect opportunity to branch out into the holiday and day trip market whilst expanding on our already strong coach hire offering” – Joanna Bonnett, Reg’s Coaches
Joanna Bonnett took over Reg’s Coaches in 2023 and has instigated fleet upgrades, a new booking system and the acquisition of significant local contracts.
Joanna said: “I am delighted that the move has been strongly backed by current staff who have agreed to join us on this exciting new journey. For us, this presents the perfect opportunity to branch out into the holiday and day trip market whilst expanding on our already strong coach hire offering, alongside a team that have a wealth of experience and well-established connections. Shaws’ has a wonderful reputation locally and this is something that we plan to build upon.”
Shaws Coaches will continue under the ownership of Reg’s Coaches. The management at Shaws continue to retire on 2 May and are working with Joanna to achieve a smooth transition. Shaws will remain based in Maxey and continue to offer day trips and holidays departing from Peterborough, Bourne, Stamford, The Deepings and surrounding villages, as well as providing coach hire and school transport.
“We believe that the new owners will be the same responsible and caring employers that we have always strived to be” – Jane Duffelen, Shaws
Current owner of Shaws, Jane Duffelen, said: “Transferring our trading activities to an established and forward-thinking operator has achieved our primary objective of securing jobs for our loyal, hard-working team and continuity of service to our customers, many of whom have been travelling with us for several years. We believe that the new owners will be the same responsible and caring employers that we have always strived to be and that their approach to customer care will be just as much of a priority as it has always been to us.”