Former Brookside star Philip Olivier’s open-top bus operator, Liverpool City Sights, has purchased Chester-based rival BusyBus for an undisclosed sum.
Managing Director and founder of BusyBus Peter Rosenfeld will remain involved for the foreseeable future in a business mentor role. Since formation in 2003, BusyBus has grown to a fleet of 11 minicoaches, all of which transfer with the sale.
The Chester operator runs quirky and bespoke guided day trips from Chester, Liverpool and Manchester to a variety of areas, and Three Peaks Challenge transport. It has also added longer-duration tours, shore excursions for cruise passengers and private hire to its roster.
Under new ownership its vehicles will continue to be garaged at Mickle Trafford near Chester, but an additional base has been found in Liverpool and further strategic operating centres are planned, said Rosenfeld.
Liverpool City Sights has grown its presence in the city’s open-top market since founding in 2015 by Olivier. He is a native of Liverpool and prior to moving into bus operation was an actor, including a multi-year stint as Tinhead in Phil Redmond’s long-running soap Brookside.
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Bringing the two firms together will leverage opportunities from offering a combination of city tours and out-of-area excursions.
Olivier said: “We have had our eyes on BusyBus for many years and were always impressed with its customer feedback and sustainable itineraries.
“Its routes, narration and delivery are unquestionably the benchmark of a great experience and good business practice. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to acquire this leading sightseeing tour company.”
Rosenfeld noted that after 22 years of building BusyBus, “the timing is perfect to pass the reigns to such ambitious, vibrant new owners. For me, the importance is legacy. Knowing that the brand and style will not only be sustained but enhanced in both the UK and internationally is my dream come true. Mission accomplished!”
Lewis May has been appointed group operations manager at the new merged company, and noted that he looks forward to working with Rosenfeld and the BusyBus staff in further developing the business.
“Having both inner-city and out-of-city sightseeing tours in our toolbox makes for a compelling offer to visitors to the region,” Mr May adds.
