Midland Red plans more take-overs
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• Midland Red — which has taken over two Black Country independents and is negotiating with five more — is planning to acquire more operators throughout its area. This was revealed this week by Mr Keith Holmes, general manager of the National Bus Company's largest subsidiary.
Speaking to CM Mr Holmes explained that, when the West Midlands PTE takes over 400 of Midland Red's buses shortly, the company will be "like the mint with the hole". Much of its important operations in Birmingham — the centre of its area — would be lost. Currently, said Mr Holmes, the company is looking at all possible means of "strengthening the mint".
Next Monday Midland Red will take over the services of the Green Bus Co Ltd of Rugeley, Staffs. It has purchased the company's 40-bus fleet and taken on a small number of its staff. Initially, services will be operated under short-term road service licences until a hearing can be arranged. The services will be operated from Midland Red's Tamworth and Stafford garages and some will be run by Midland Red vehicles. Potteries Motor Traction will also provide some vehicles. Green Bus vehicles will be disposed of under the normal fleet replacement procedure.
Last week Midland Red acquired the 13-coach fleet of G. Cooper and Sons of Oakengates, Salop. Mr Holmes revealed that talks were "at an advanced stage" with two more operators locally and preliminary contacts had been made with three more. Together with the two fleets already taken over, these other concerns could add a total of well over 70 vehicles to Midland Red.
Mr Holmes confirmed that the company was also interested in take-overs outside the Black Country area. He was about to begin talks with an operator in Evesham and was prepared to consider take-avers in any part of the Midland Red operating territory.