ManaBus.com Acquires Naked Bus

ManaBus.com Acquires Naked Bus

Two of New Zealand’s leading long distance coach companies are to get together to provide a comprehensive network of services throughout the North and South Islands.

Sir Brian Souter of Souter Holdings Limited has announced that ManaBus.com will acquire the Naked Bus business. “This is an exciting development for ManaBus.com. It gives us the opportunity to extend our services across New Zealand and bring our value for money fares to many more people”, Sir Brian said. Both business will continue to operate under their respective brands.

ManaBus.com is part of the Souter Holdings transport portfolio, a New Zealand transport business with established operations in both Auckland and Wellington. Urban bus companies Howick and Eastern Buses, Mana Coach Services and Waiheke Bus Company, combined with Auckland and Hauraki Gulf commuter and leisure ferry companies Fullers Group and 360 Discovery carry more than 13 million customers a year. The Souter Holdings group currently employs over 670 people in New Zealand.

Naked Bus Founder and Chief Executive Hamish Nuttall will be Managing Director of the combined company. “We are excited to have Hamish with us. His innovative mind, industry experience and knowledge of the NZ coach business network will be a real asset to the team”, said Sir Brian.

“Together we expect to carry over 1 million passengers a year. Customers of both services can expect to see a continuation of the great value for money fares they have come to know and love.

We hope to continue to grow the market and boost tourism in the towns and cities we serve”.

“The future is bright for the combined operation with eleven new buses due to arrive before the end of the year. This includes five bespoke double-deckers being built by Tauranga based Kiwi Bus Builders as well as six specialty coaches to serve shorter routes.”

ENDS

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