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Top Line an attraction to new owners - Yorkshire Post, 22 August 2008
A travel company which has introduced thousands of tourists to York's historic attractions is under new ownership.
York-based bus company, Top Line Travel, has been sold to Transdev Blazefield for an undisclosed sum.
Top Line Travel was set up by the husband and wife team of Peter and Susan Dew eight years ago as one of the first city sightseeing operators in England. 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. It employs 50 staff, including seasonal and part-time workers.
Transdev Blazefield already owns Yorkshire Coastliner and Harrogate and District Travel, both of which operate into York, as well as Keighley & District Travel and a number of operating companies in Lancashire.
Mr Dew confirmed that he and his wife would stay with the business following the sale. He added: "We thought long and hard about it and thought it was a good offer at a good time. 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."
Top Line's management was advised by Mark Warburton, a corporate partner at Dickinson Dees in York, who said: "The acquisition of the company by Transdev Blazefield represents the beginning of a new and exciting era for the firm."
David Alexander, managing director of 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."
Financial advice was provided by Tony Farmer, corporate finance partner at accountants JWPCreers of York and Selby.
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