Transport operator ComfortDelGro is acquiring Addison Lee, through its UK subsidiary, CityFleet Networks, for £269.1 million.
As the largest premium point-to-point operator in the UK, the addition of Addison Lee will extend the Group’s London footprint and grow its taxi and private hire network to more than 34,000 vehicles globally
On completion, the 7,500 drivers and 5,000 vehicles of the Addison Lee’s London-based network will complement CityFleet Networks’ existing private hire and black taxi fleets elsewhere in the UK including Liverpool, the Wirral, Chester and Aberdeen.
ComfortDelGro’s Managing Director / Group CEO, Mr Cheng Siak Kian said: “Addison Lee is an established leader in serving the differentiated premium segment in London.
"Beyond expanding our footprint in the UK, this acquisition will enable us to use Addison Lee’s expertise to deepen and scale our premium point-to-point capability globally. It will also strengthen our overall point-to-point proposition, creating strong synergy with our existing businesses.”
This acquisition will further grow the Group’s presence in the UK. In addition to operating CityFleet Networks in several locations across the UK, ComfortDelGro provides pre-planned and on-demand ground transportation to businesses, as well as private and ride-share transfers to airports, bus and train stations and ports through its recently acquired business, CMAC.
The Group also owns and operates Metroline buses and Westbus coaches in London, Adventure Travel buses and coaches in Wales, as well as the Megabus, Scottish Citylink and Irish Citylink inter-city coach services.
Mr Liam Griffin, CEO of Addison Lee said: “Over the last four years, ComfortDelGro has demonstrated its deep knowledge of the business, and a clear understanding of our customers’ and drivers’ needs. This, alongside the strength and heritage of the Addison Lee brand, has positioned us perfectly for further expansion into the premium segment.
"ComfortDelGro is a perfect complementary fit for us. They share our philosophy, vision, and ambition for the Addison Lee brand and bring significant international industry expertise to the business.”
Prior to the acquisition, Liam Griffin and his team led a consortium that restructured the business and ensured it successfully weathered the pandemic before delivering strong growth and a return to healthy profit.
He, along with the current key management will remain at the firm following the acquisition to drive the next phase of its growth.
ComfortDelGro Chairman, Mr Mark Greaves said: “This acquisition is in line with our strategy to expand the Group’s point-to-point mobility portfolio. We will use Addison Lee’s strong brand, customer base and reliable premium driver network to continue creating great journeys for our customers and the communities we serve – a commitment that we hold true across our businesses.
"With 90 per cent of their existing fleet already made up of cleaner energy vehicles, this will help accelerate our fleet transition journey.”
Taxi drivers in Dorset are seeking a fare increase to combat rising costs. The proposed changes would affect fares outside of Weymouth and Portland.
Radio Carlisle Taxis has made a significant donation to a local food bank, providing much-needed support to the community.
Two drivers have been spared jail after causing a fatal crash that killed a 70-year-old woman in Manchester.
Taxi drivers in Argyll and Bute are being asked to give their views on potential fare increases, as the local council is set to review its current pricing structure.
Transport for London (TfL) has proposed increasing hackney carriage fares in London by up to 7.5% next year to help attract and retain drivers.
Taxi drivers in South Kesteven district have expressed outrage over a new rule requiring them to take an English language test, even if they are native speakers.
The strike, which could cost East Midlands Railway up to £200,000, is set to commence unless the train operator addresses longstanding issues at the pick-up point.
Hundreds of drivers gathered outside the Uber office in Nottingham at 2.30pm today to voice concerns over unfair fares.
A sting operation in Dudley has uncovered a minibus with a rotten chassis and another with no rear lights among 27 private hire vehicles and taxis inspected for school transport.
A private hire driver has been fined £324 for refusing to take a fare that included a passenger and their assistance dog.
Peter McDougall pleaded guilty to breaking into eight vehicles, many of which were cabs, stealing items valued at over £800.
A taxi driver who was falsely accused of rape has had his life turned upside down, losing his marriage and job as the lying "victim" faces a prison sentence.
Paisley Cab Co Ltd, owned by Steven Malcolm, and officials at Renfrewshire Council are facing scrutiny following allegations of safety concerns.
The council has relaxed regulations governing wheelchair-accessible taxis (WAVs) in response to a significant decline in their availability.
A futuristic display took place in London on 9 October, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased a flying taxi at Charring Cross Station.
The incident occurred around 7:00pm in the Dartmouth Street/Trafalgar Road area, when the driver was threatened with a knife and assaulted with a hypodermic needle.
Andrew Doody, Chair of Thanet Private Hire Association, said: "We already have booking apps so Uber brings nothing new to Thanet."
On Tuesday, 22nd October, at 2pm, Conservative MPs led by Saqib Bhatti MBE, will deliver a 130,000 signatures petition with Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, to Number 10 Downing Street.
The Rosie May Foundation, known for its innovative projects that empower women and support vulnerable children, aligns perfectly with Take Me's values
Portsmouth Private Hire drivers are fast running out of patience on hearing the news that the council is – yet again – about to deny its licensed private hire vehicles access to the city’s bus lanes.