Diamond Bus North West

[Citibus]

RE: Diamond Bus North West
Can anyone provide the current and potential allocation sizes of Atherton and Eccles Depots?

Im guessing their isn't much room left right now.

Thanks!

[Winston]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(29/06/2019 12:48)Citibus Wrote:  Can anyone provide the current and potential allocation sizes of Atherton and Eccles Depots?

Im guessing their isn't much room left right now.

Thanks!

DBNW Ltd Current License which was increased by +200 to cater for Bolton acquisition.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...nce/164713

I assume Atherton & Eccles are showing at max capacities (current allocations in brackets)

Atherton = 70 (54 - which includes 30851/2 & B9TL/Gemini 40625 now showing as allocated - I assume these will move on to Bolton in time)
Eccles = 60 (31)

Potential to house another circa 50 buses at those two depots before reaching max capacity.

[gilesbus1]

RE: Diamond Bus North West
55 plate Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 30855 has moved also into Atherton it came in last week, presume another bound for Bolton.

Arriva has a number of companies interested in buying the whole fleet namely Brookfield Asset Management, Carlyle Group, Keolis and Apollo Global Management. So unless any of them are using it as a torch to raise funds by splitting the business up doubt Rotala would get it, also any take-over of Bolton may lead to an MMC investigation of Rotala as it would then have 90% of what is in Bolton and Atherton. Suspect Wythenshawe would be more likely.

[gilesbus1]

RE: Diamond Bus North West
I understand also that Bolton is to become the Regional Head Office for Rotala's services in the North West, with the office at Atherton being reduced to a depot office and that at Preston Bus similarly being reduced to a depot office.

[Winston]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(30/06/2019 17:55)gilesbus1 Wrote:  55 plate Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 30855 has moved also into Atherton it came in last week, presume another bound for Bolton.

Arriva has a number of companies interested in buying the whole fleet namely Brookfield Asset Management, Carlyle Group, Keolis and Apollo Global Management. So unless any of them are using it as a torch to raise funds by splitting the business up doubt Rotala would get it, also any take-over of Bolton may lead to an MMC investigation of Rotala as it would then have 90% of what is in Bolton and Atherton. Suspect Wythenshawe would be more likely.

30855 is a 58 plate. Also noticed on FB that 30856 & 30861 are now at Atherton in existing allover blue, presume they will be prepped & repainted there before entry in to service.

Rotala will have the best part of the commercial routes in/out of Bolton, plus Bolton depot is far superior to any other depot. Rotala chose not to conclude the Arriva Manchester deal back in 2017. They may get the opportunity to pick up any Arriva Bolton routes should they exit, as there's not a lot left of it.

[gilesbus1]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(30/06/2019 18:58)Winston Wrote:  30855 is a 58 plate. Also noticed on FB that 30856 & 30861 are now at Atherton in existing allover blue, presume they will be prepped & repainted there before entry in to service.

Rotala will have the best part of the commercial routes in/out of Bolton, plus Bolton depot is far superior to any other depot. Rotala chose not to conclude the Arriva Manchester deal back in 2017. They may get the opportunity to pick up any Arriva Bolton routes should they exit, as there's not a lot left of it.

Is this going to be a major mechanical centre as obviously it has quite large workshops? What is the likely future direction of Rotala, can we expect further acquisitions before then end of the year or will this end acquisitions for some time?

[Winston]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(30/06/2019 19:22)gilesbus1 Wrote:  Is this going to be a major mechanical centre as obviously it has quite large workshops? What is the likely future direction of Rotala, can we expect further acquisitions before then end of the year or will this end acquisitions for some time?

Yes, Bolton will become the new Rotala NW HQ. I assume it will be responsible for prepping & repairing NW vehicles, IIRC it even comes with its own paintshop. Bolton depot comes with a bigger engineering/office block than even Rotala's HQ at Diamond Bus Tividale depot.

Yes, they're always on the lookout for the next acquisition, no doubt that First Bolton is in the bag, they're probably looking towards the next one.... there could well be more for the years out. They have up to £50 million available for acquisitions, so are very keen to grow.

Rotala / Simon Dunn interview from Oct last year:
http://www.route-one.net/magazines/emag/...ge_32.html

[Winston]

RE: Diamond Bus North West
Look like 11th August is the day Diamond Bus NW takeover Bolton depot & commercial services, registrations now online.

[gilesbus1]

RE: Diamond Bus North West
Just seen Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban30856 WX58 FSD heading for Atherton in the old version of Diamond livery with Red Diamonds on it, but looking ready for service tomorrow if required.

[Y458 KNF]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(01/07/2019 17:01)Winston Wrote:  Look like 11th August is the day Diamond Bus NW takeover Bolton depot & commercial services, registrations now online.

Apart from Vantage what routes if any are not included in the sale?