PRESS RELEASE
05/11/2007
Veolia Transport UK, today announces the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Astons of Kempsey (Holdings) Ltd, which includes subsidiary companies Astons of Kempsey Coaches Ltd and Ultima Tours Ltd.
Astons of Kempsey Coaches Ltd, better known in the area as Astons Coaches, is a well-established coach operator situated on the outskirts of Worcester. From owning just one vehicle for coal distribution in 1929, Astons have diversified into private coach hire for groups locally, nationally and internationally and contract work for schools, colleges and the local authority. Ultima Tours caters for school and youth groups offering tailor-made packages to Europe.
Veolia Transport welcomes over 70 new colleagues and a 33 vehicle fleet to its team.
Tony Halford, the previous owner of Astons, will remain with the business for the foreseeable future and assist with the handover and the general running of the companies.
John O’Brien, Chairman of Veolia Transport UK, said: “I am delighted to welcome Astons Coaches to the Veolia Transport team. Astons has an excellent reputation of high quality service and delivery which compliments Veolia Transport’s overall strategy and presence within the UK.”
Tony Halford, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have created here at Astons. We have built a great team and they are very excited to be joining Veolia Transport. This move will enable us to enhance the programme we offer to our customers as well as continuing to grow with the support of a worldwide group of companies.”
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Notes for editors
Veolia Transport is part of Veolia Environnement, world leader in environmental services. With more than 300,000 employees the company has operations all around the world and provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of municipal and industrial customers in four complementary segments: water management, waste management, energy management and freight and passenger transportation.
www.veolia.com
Worldwide, Veolia Transport serves 5,000 municipalities, operates in 27 countries and employs 81,897 people. The company operates 30,800 road and rail vehicles and carries more than 2.7 billion passengers per year.