Reading: National Express acquires Stewarts Coaches

National Express has announced it has completed the purchase of Reading-based Stewarts Coach Group.

With bases in both Reading and Leicester, the award-winning Stewarts Coaches has been around since 1986 and is part of the Guild of British Coach Operators.

The firm offers a range of services, including corporate travel, private hire, day trips and tours – the latter of which are run from its Leicester-based Woods Tours business, which Stewarts purchased in 2014.

Commenting on the purchase, Tom Stables, National Express managing director UK and Germany, said: “It is a fantastic company with an excellent record of delivering high quality services and is a welcome addition to our business. The acquisition helps us strengthen our position in the important corporate travel market, building on the success of The Kings Ferry and Clarkes of London in this area.

“We look forward to maximising the opportunities that this addition to our business offers.”

In order to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership, Stewarts existing managing director Andy Cotton will be staying with the business for a minimum of two years. The businesses will report into Ian Fraser, managing director of The Kings Ferry Group.