National Express (NX) has purchased Lucketts Travel Group, which is the largest coach operator on the south coast. The deal, which is for an undisclosed sum, includes Coliseum Coaches, Mortons Travel, Solent Coaches and Worthing Coaches.
NX says the acquisition provides it “with a platform for further growth in the private hire, coach tour and corporate shuttle markets.” It will also strengthen NX’s network operations in the south of England.
Following purchased by National Express, Lucketts Travel Group will continue to trade under its existing brand names. Its leadership team, headed by Managing Director Tony Lawman, will remain in place and report to NX Managing Director UK and Germany Tom Stables.
Says Mr Stables: “We already have a strong relationship with Lucketts, so we know that it is a fantastic company with an excellent record of delivering high quality services.
“This acquisition enables us to expand further into the private hire and tours market. We look forward to welcoming all our new colleague to National Express.”
Adds Lucketts Travel Group Director Ian Luckett: “We are delighted that Lucketts is joining NX, with which we have had a strong relationship for many years.
“We know we can trust NX to look after what our family has built up, and we are confident that it will be able to take the business to the next level.”
Mr Luckett and his brother Steve will retain consultancy roles with the business to help with the transition period and support further plans for growth.
Lucketts Travel Group employs 350 staff and it has a fleet of 160 coaches and buses.
The deal with Lucketts represents further expansion for NX’s coach arm. It purchased Kings Ferry Travel Group in 2007, following that with deals for Clarkes of London in 2016 and Stewarts Coach Group, including Woods Coaches, in 2018.
