Go Bus Transport, New Zealand’s largest and most diverse bus operator, is to acquire the business and brand of Johnston’s Coachlines. The deal is conditional at this stage but is expected to be completed before 1 September
Go Bus currently operates a range of bus and coach services across New Zealand, including metropolitan urban passenger services and school buses. Johnston’s is a dedicated premium coach line which has operated for 80 years, with depots in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Go Bus Managing Director Calum Haslop says the acquisition of Johnston’s, essentially a family operation, is a great fit for Go Bus, and will strengthen its charter and tour business immensely.
“Johnston’s has a fleet of 40 coaches, including premium five-star luxury coaches, and offers tours, charter and air crew transfer services. This acquisition will round off our business operations significantly, giving us the ability to offer a complete range of bus and coach services.
“We will keep the Johnston’s brand, and it will operate as a separate division within the Go Bus Group, to ensure the retention of the brand, contracts and experience offered by this specialist coach operation.
“Our expectation is that both businesses can learn from each other to create an overall stronger transport operation, improving the quality of passenger and client services and experience.”
The GM of Johnston’s Steve Champion says he is excited to join the Go Bus Group.
“There are definitely parallels between the two companies in terms of shared values and being employers of choice. We have been impressed with the family ethos of Go Bus, even though it is New Zealand’s largest bus operator."
“It will be business as usual for us with the same dedicated team managing the Johnston's operation and looking after our valued customers. In the longer term we can see the significant opportunities that Go Bus will have to grow the business and brand, and we are really looking forward to joining the Go Bus family.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, does not include the Gray Line operations, a worldwide brand, which Johnston’s previously operated in New Zealand.
