Stoke-on-Trent operator D&G Bus has become part of the Centrebus Group. The news came after D&G major shareholder and Managing Director David Reeves’ sale of his interests to the Leicester-based group.
Centrebus Managing Director Matthew Evans takes up the same role at D&G, where Operations Director Kevin Crawford remains senior manager on a day to day basis. Mr Crawford will continue to lead D&G’s existing management team.
D&G Bus operates a fleet of 90 buses from three depots in Staffordshire and Cheshire. Mr Reeves – who jointly founded the business with the late Gerald Henderson in 1998 – says recent health problems are behind his decision to sell.
“Following a health issue in 2016 I have lost some of my enthusiasm. I am looking for a change in lifestyle,” he adds.
Adds Mr Evans: “I look forward to welcoming the staff at D&G into the Centrebus group of companies. D&G has become a well-respected operator and brand throughout Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire East. There are no plans to change anything soon.”
On completion of the transaction, Mr Crawford says: “I am very pleased that D&G has become part of the Centrebus group. I look forward to working with the team there, and to the opportunities that I believe the deal will provide in 2020 and beyond.”
D&G is the second largest operator in North Staffordshire. It also has a growing network in Cheshire. Mr Reeves will act as a consultant to the business, initially until 31 January 2020.