At a special celebration held in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 26 October, it was announced that Intercape Mainliner has completed the takeover of Big Sky Coaches.
Johann Ferreira, chief executive officer (CEO) of Intercape, said at the function held at Warm Karoo that it was because of the commendable business model implemented by Big Sky Coaches that Intercape had decided to incorporate the local business into their existing company.
The acquisition of Big Sky took effect on 4 October and sees the fleet of 21 charter buses, including a range of 36 and 60 seater coaches, joining the Intercape stable.
Big Sky has stated that it will still operate under its own name, but will have new management staff taking the reins.
All Big Sky staff members who held key positions will remain as part of the takeover.
Ferreira said the transaction firmly established Intercape not only as the leading intercity coach operator in Southern Africa, but as a leading specialist charter tour business.
“Big Sky Coaches operates very successfully in the central region of South Africa, and this deal extends our footprint and ability to deliver top-class services to numerous communities and organisations in the central parts of South Africa.”
According to Ferreira even after the changes implemented, and those still on the way after the company acquisition, the number-one focus remains passenger safety. Customers can “expect the same high quality of service” going forward.
Ferreira says Intercape, with a fleet of more than 200 buses, also operates in neighbouring countries like Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.
Intercape Tourliner offers charter bus hire services to international and local tour operators, travel agents, corporations, schools, churches and private groups.
The Intercape Tourliner fleet offers a wide range of luxury vehicles, ranging from 28 to 60 seater luxury coaches.
