Rotala, the bus operator, has acquired Midland Classic Limited, the principal bus operator in Burton-upon-Trent.
Midland operates 60 vehicles from its freehold depot in Burton-upon-Trent and employs approximately 110 staff, who will join the Rotala Group as part of the acquisition.
This latest move represents an extension of the group’s business to a new territory in the East Midlands from which further growth will be targeted. Midland Classic will be renamed Diamond Bus (East Midlands) Limited and will become part of Rotala’s Midlands division which is controlled from the group’s headquarters at Tividale, Oldbury.
Simon Dunn, Chief Executive of Rotala, said: “Midland Classic is a sizeable well-established business in an attractive bus territory. It represents the entry by Rotala into the East Midlands which is a new market for the group.
“However, at the same time, geographically it is adjacent to our existing operations in the West Midlands and so easily managed from there. The business also has its own freehold depot from which we will look to further expand Rotala’s services as the recovery in passenger numbers post-COVID continues.”
James Boddice, Managing Director and majority shareholder of Midland Classic, said: “After 17 years of successful independent bus operation during which time the company has grown, including taking over the Arriva local garage in 2016, to become the primary operator in and around Burton upon Trent, after much consideration we have decided to accept an offer from Rotala PLC to take over the business.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the company, especially our employees, and wish everyone well for the future.”
