Runcorn coach firm taken over by French giant (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Selwyns Travel of Runcorn 'can now continue with ambitious expansion plans'

1:10pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

A LONG established family coach firm has been taken over by French transport giant, RATP Dev UK.

Selwyns Travel, which employs 200 people at depots in Runcorn, Manchester and St Helens, has a fleet of 90 vehicles.

The company, founded in 1968, has an annual turnover of £15 million.

Selwyn Jones, Selwyns managing director, said: “We’ve had lots of approaches over the years but the time was right to sell and the deal opens up a world of opportunities.

“Selwyns will operate as we always have, providing a fantastic service to our clients. Being able to tap into the expertise and experience of the team at RATP Dev will give the business a major advantage over the competition moving forward.”

Selwyns has contracts with local authorities and blue chip companies, including National Express, Barclays and Emirates.

In 2011, Selwyns acquired £4m turnover Haytons of Manchester.

Steve Whiteway, area director north for RATP Dev UK, said: “I am delighted we have been able to bring Selwyns into the RATP Dev UK Group.

“Selwyn and his team have built an excellent business which fits well with our strategy to run high quality public transport services and we look forward to working with them”

Tim Scott, corporate finance associate partner at Hurst, who brokered the deal, said: “The business attracted a number of approaches and some excellent offers but the synergy with RATP was evident right from the start.

“The partnership will mean Selwyn can continue to run the business but will have the firepower to continue with ambitious expansion plans.”