Tamworth operator Solus Travel Ltd – which trades as Solus Coaches – was sold to investor BBK Group in January by its previous owner Andy Garratt.
The purchase increases Hayes-based BBK Group’s presence in coaching alongside activity in other segments. Prior to adding Solus, its passenger transport interests included BM Coaches, Your Partner in Journey and Gatwick Hoppa.
Mr Garratt founded Solus in 2001 and he continues to be involved in multiple other projects in the coach sector, he has confirmed.
On its website, BBK says it is a “purpose driven investment organisation with a consistent investment performance across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies.” It invests in “privately held small- and medium-sized enterprises” and has “a track record of investing in, exiting and managing over eight companies.”
Listed on Companies House as sole Director is Balasubramaniam Balasuresh. Mr Balasuresh founded BM Coaches and Rental Ltd in 2006. BBK has declined to comment on the deal for Solus Travel, but it moved quickly to introduce a new brand to the Midlands operator that is similar to those used on its other coach businesses.
In January adverts were placed for a Head of Operations and coach and bus drivers at Solus, with the latter stating that work will be local services in the Solihull and Sutton Coldfield areas.
Under Mr Garratt’s charge Solus Coaches was built into a highly successful operation, although he says that the challenging ongoing situation around driver recruitment and retention was a factor in his decision to sell to BBK.
