The Reading-based operator joins eight existing operators as part of the new group, and will retain its name and identity
The Coach Travel Group has strengthened its position in London and the South East with the acquisition of Reading-based Horseman Coaches, a move which it says reflects its commitment to invest in local communities and will position the group to meet the high demand for travel in one of the UK’s busiest and most significant markets.
“We are delighted to announce the addition of Horseman Coaches to The Coach Travel Group so soon after the company was formed in the summer,” said CEO Tom Stables. “Our ethos is to grow the group by bringing together well-established and like-minded operators, many of them family owned; by building a portfolio of operators with a shared passion for first-class group travel, we will be better equipped to navigate the future challenges of the sector.
“While Horseman Coaches will benefit from the support of The Coach Travel Group, it will continue to operate as an individual brand so customers will not experience any significant changes. The family business shares our commitment to service quality, safety, and passenger experience – that is why we are delighted to have them on board. We have already started the integration process, so Horseman Coaches can benefit from shared resources and UK-wide support.
“The strength of The Coach Travel Group lies in each coach operator’s years of rich heritage, proven expertise, and deep connections within the local communities they serve. This unity ensures that while The Coach Travel Group operates on a national scale, it brings together operators from different regions where the heart and soul of the services remain as personal, and community focused as ever.”
Established in 1977, Horseman has a fleet of around 60 coaches, varying from 14- to 72-seaters. The Coach Travel Group was formed in June 2024 by the strategic merger of Alpine Travel, Barnes Coaches, Coatham Coaches, JH Coaches, Johnsons Coaches, The Ready Group, Swans Travel and Whittles.
