Top deal will keep Top Line driving forward

THE COMPANY behind the first city sightseeing bus tour in England has been bought by a public transport operator for an undisclosed sum.

Transdev Blazefield, which owns bus companies Yorkshire Coastliner and Harrogate and District Travel, has bought York-based travel company Top Line Travel.

Top Line Travel, was established by Peter and Susan Dew in 2000. The company, which took over Guide Friday tours in York in 2002, has a fleet of 10 open top buses and also runs seven school and local service buses.

The pair are looking to expand following the deal.

Mr Dew said: “We have always believed in the provision of a high-quality service and are proud to have introduced low emission, easy access buses to York City tours, but now we need the backing of a bigger group to further the next stage of our development.”

David Alexander, managing director of Harrogate-based Transdev Blazefield, said: “We are extremely pleased to have concluded this deal with Peter and Sue and we very much look forward to working with the staff based at York and to strengthening the relationship with City of York Council as we further develop the business.“

Transdev also owns Keighley & District Travel and a number of operating companies throughout Lancashire.

The Yorkshire office of law firm Dickinson Dees advised Top Line on the deal.

Mark Warburton, corporate partner at Dickinson Dees in York, said: “We were delighted to have been able to advise Top Line in the sale of their business, which has proved successful for all concerned. The acquisition of the company by Transdev Blazefield represents the beginning of a new and exciting era for the firm and we wish them every success.”

Financial advice was provided by Tony Farmer, corporate finance partner at accountants JWP Creers, which has offices in York and Selby.

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