AUSTRALIA Go-Ahead Group majority shareholder Kinetic has announced an agreement to acquire local bus and coach company Koala Koaches in Australia’s Gold Coast region. Established in 1963, Koala Koaches provides charter bus services in the area. Its acquisition will see Kinetic take on Koala Koaches’ fleet of 31 coaches and team of 32 employees, as well as its depot in Burleigh Heads.
Kinetic currently operates 60 routes and over 220 school journeys in the region. Kinetic Managing Director (Australia) Matthew Campbell said the company was excited to welcome the Koala Koaches team and expand its charter services on the Gold Coast. “Bede Young and Dominique Budgen have built an outstanding reputation across the Gold Coast, continuing a proud family legacy since the 1960s, and we’re committed to continuing their great work and maintaining the high standards of service the community has come to expect,” he said. “The Koala Koaches brand will remain, the staff will remain, and customers will continue to receive the same industry-leading service from the same experienced drivers and quality vehicles they know and trust. “This acquisition allows us to expand Koala Koaches’ charter business while bringing the support of our broader operations network. We share similar values, particularly around supporting local communities through partnerships and community giving. We look forward to expanding our partnerships on the ground and for this acquisition to unlock more ways to support the communities we serve.”
Koala Koaches Managing Director Bede Young said he was confident in the business’ continued growth under Kinetic’s stewardship:
“Together with our family and valued team, we’ve built a special company here at Koala Koaches over the past six decades, and
I’m confident that Kinetic shares our commitment to serving the Gold Coast through both excellent service and partnering with the community,” he added. “Joining the Kinetic Group provides our team with new opportunities across the local transportation industry while ensuring our customers continue to receive the safe and reliable service that has made us the Gold Coast’s leading charter provider.”
