The Eastleigh-based operator has purchased the business assets of Poole-based neighbour Freedom Travel and has plans to expand
Xelabus is expanding with the acquisition of the business assets of Freedom Travel in Poole, effective from 1 July. Freedom Travel is a well-established operator with over 15 years of service throughout the Bournemouth and Poole areas, and Xelabus says the acquisition will be a key part of its ongoing expansion into Dorset, bringing with it a strong portfolio of work and opportunities for growth.
Xelabus says that Freedom Travel’s operations will relocate to a new depot in Verwood, which will open in August, with vehicle maintenance, administration and finance functions being centralised at its Barton Farm offices in Eastleigh. Some vehicles currently within the Freedom fleet will be updated, with two wheelchair accessible 85-seat double-decker buses arriving, fitted with seatbelts, USB charging points and high-back seats, suitable for local and long distance private hires, which will operate alongside several executive coaches.
Gareth Blair, Managing Director of Xelabus, said: “This is a significant milestone for Xelabus. Acquiring Freedom Travel adds weight to our portfolio and provides a strong foundation of work for our newly acquired Verwood location.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to wish Paul Comber a very well-deserved retirement. Paul has built Freedom Travel into a respected and successful business, and we congratulate him on his achievements. We look forward to welcoming the Freedom Travel team into the Xelabus family.”
