National Express says trading 'slightly ahead' of expectations
Transport operator buys Spanish bus firm Rober for €13m
National Express on Tuesday said current trading was slightly ahead of expectations as it further expanded European operations with the €13m acquisition of Spanish urban bus operator Transportes Rober.
“Trading performance across the group continues to improve, slightly ahead of management expectations, and we have continued to win new contracts, notably in corporate shuttle both in North America and the UK,” the company said in a statement.
Rober has operated the urban bus contract in Granada for more than 20 years. National Express said the purchase “represents a further step in consolidating the regional and urban bus markets”.
National Express said Granada was a major hub for long haul connections and the Rober deal built on its ALSA unit's existing urban business in Almeria and regional services, “consolidating our leadership position in Andalusia with a combined fleet of 650 vehicles and 1,900 employees”.
"I am delighted that in addition to maintaining tight control on costs, we are able to focus on growth and continue our successful 'consolidate and compound' strategy,” said National Express chief executive Ignacio Garat.