Jersey’s LibertyBus along with CT Plus operating in Guernsey have been sold following recent developments in Bristol, London and Yorkshire at parent HCT Group
Kelsian Group and its UK subsidiary Tower Transit have announced the acquisition of two bus businesses in the Channel Islands. The group has acquired LibertyBus in Jersey and CT Plus in Guernsey, signifying what it says is a new chapter of growth and potential for the two former HCT Group companies.
Kelsian Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt said the firm’s highly experienced management team in London will oversee the operations, which will remain focussed on delivering essential and sustainable journeys. “We are delighted to take the reins of both LibertyBus in Jersey and CT Plus in Guernsey. Kelsian’s legacy is supporting island communities and economies and we are excited to serve the Channel Islands and their tourists to provide safe and reliable services.
“From a Group perspective, these acquisitions are on strategy and add to the Group’s growing contracted international bus fleet and global network of transport and tourism professionals at Kelsian Group,” he said.
He added that Kelsian is looking forward to exploring further opportunities for international growth for the Group, which includes SeaLink Marine & Tourism, Transit Systems and Tower Transit. “Island operations underpin Kelsian’s history of performance and success, and when we combine that with the global public transport knowledge from Transit Systems, it demonstrates the power of our capabilities in delivering world-class transport solutions,” he said.
Tower Transit UK Managing Director Samuel Ribeiro said: “Kelsian announced to the market in June that it was repositioning its UK operations to optimise its growth ambitions in the UK and Europe. This acquisition is consistent with that mandate and reflects the Group’s approach to sustainable and contracted revenue growth in strategic jurisdictions. As a combined group, we were resilient with thanks to our essential public transport contracts – what we are now is excited about the growth opportunities across the UK and European markets.
“Kelsian and Tower Transit are experienced public transport operators and are confident of managing a smooth ownership transition that won’t impact customers. As a global leader in bus and specifically island community transport, we’re confident this will be managed without any disruption to services and that there are no plans to change routes, tickets or branding. Kelsian and Tower Transit’s aim is to maintain the existing teams in place with their extensive local experience and track record of success,” he said.
Lynn McClelland, HCT Group Chief Executive said: “We are very proud of the work we’ve done in Jersey and Guernsey and we believe that the services there could not be in better hands.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the people of both Jersey and Guernsey for the past ten years. We are grateful to the Government of Jersey and States of Guernsey for the spirit of partnership that has characterised our work together. We are certain that we leave behind a strong foundation for the future development of the bus service.”
