Go South Coast has completed the acquisition of Excelsior Coaches Ltd, taking control of the company on October 4, 2016.
The Go Ahead-owned firm, which operates Poole-based Morebus, stepped in to buy Excelsior following the decision by former owner Ken Robins to retire and exit the business. Go South Coast had previous bought Excelsior’s National Express franchise in October 2015.
Ken bought the business from administration in 2001 and had been the majority shareholder since, though the company was initially formed shortly after the First World War.
Go South Coast Managing Director, Andrew Wickham, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity of continuing and developing this excellent coach operation under the Excelsior name from the existing depot in Bournemouth.
“The site in Southcote Road is particularly significant because it already doubles-up as a base for 21 Morebus vehicles and 65 of our drivers, and is conveniently located along the route of our M1 and 13 services.
“It will also provide us with some much-needed additional space for bus parking in the Bournemouth and Poole area.”
Excelsior currently employs a team of 38 people from the surrounding area, who will remain with the business.
