The prospect of expanding its portfolio and geographical reach was a key driver behind the purchase of Chambers Coaches (Stevenage) Ltd, by Cambridge-based Varsity Transport Holdings (VTH).
VTH is a new parent company for Eclipse Coaches of Cambridge (ECL) and sister company Eclipse Tours, Holidays and Excursions (ETHEL).
Eclipse Coaches MD, Robert Krueger, takes over as MD at VTH and Chambers.
“It’s business as usual for Chambers,” he tells routeONE, explaining that the purchase, for an undisclosed sum, will put the group in a stronger position along the A14 corridor and to the west.
“Chambers is also strong in the acceesible market, which will compoliment Eclipse,” he added.
The sale follows the decision by Directors, Martin Chambers and Debra Tidey, son and daughter of the company’s founder, Cyril Chambers, to retire. They will stay with the company for a handover period.
Chambers Coaches, startd in 1966, runs 22 vehicles throughout Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties. It fleet ranges from 16 to 79-seaters.
established in 2003, Eclipse Coaches has been owned by Robert Krueger for the last four years.
Having shifted its holiday and
day excursion programme to ETHEL, since 2015 it has re-equipped its five-strong fleet with Mercedes-Benz Tourismos.
It serves mainly corporate, university and tour operator clients.
Debra and Martin said: “We are pleased to have found a safe pair of hands to
take over our operation and are relieved that the business will continue serving Stevenage and the surrounding towns as our father would have wished.”
Concludes Mr Krueger: “Chambers is
 a logical expansion; not only does it extend our geographical reach, it is complementary to our existing businesses in so many ways.
“We look forward to upholding the reputation and traditions for which the company is known and to serving Stevenage and the surrounding area for the next half century.”
