National Express Group PLC acquires Connex Bus

Press Release from National Express Group PLCNational Express Group has confirmed that it has aquired Connex Bus with immediate effect. The business, which operates twelve contracts for Transport for London, consists of 200 buses and employs 700 staff including drivers. The business operates out of two London bus depots located in Battersea and Croydon. Operations will be re-branded Travel London over the coming weeks and form part of the Group’s existing urban bus operations.Paul McGowan, aged 42, has been appointed Managing Director of Travel London. Paul has over 25 years’ experience in the bus industry with senior management experience at bus companies in York, Huddersfield and Devon and Cornwall.Bill Weatherley, aged 44, who has a long record of working for London bus companies, including Kentish Bus and Arriva Medway Towns, has been appointed Operations Director of Travel London.Commenting on the acquisition Phil White, National Express Group Chief Executive said, "We have been keen to enter the London bus market but have been looking for an opportunity which gives us critical mass from an existing and established site. We welcome former Connex Bus employees to the Group and look forward to growing our bus operations over the coming year."

Published 3rd March 2004