Lakeside of Ellesmere has acquired the private hire diary, assets, employees and goodwill of fellow Shropshire independent Sargeants of Hodnet (S G Sargeant) after the sudden death of owner ‘Mick’ Sargeant (66) in June. Mick had been a close friend of the directors and management of Lakeside for many years.
The moves has meant family-run Lakeside has acquired four drivers and four vehicles. They include two Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, an Optare Toro and an LDV used on a school run, all of which will continue to be based at Hodnet.
“The aim is to maintain the high standards and meticulous attention to detail, service and presentation the business was built upon,” said Lakeside Coaches. “We have met many customers and thank them for their continued support. All transactions will be with Lakeside Coaches, to allow customers to benefit from our streamlined sales and payment systems. This provides us with the platform we need to expand further across Shropshire, across to the Staffordshire border and down to Telford.”
The acquisition takes Lakeside’s fleet to 26 vehicles, 17 of which are compliant with the more stringent requirements of the London LEZ being introduced in January 2012.
The company has recently purchased a Sunsundegui-bodied Volvo B12M and a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, and the most recent addition is the newest of Silver Star’s Setras.
Call Lakeside Coaches on 01691 622761 or visit www.lakesidecoaches.co.uk for more information.
