California-based Creative Bus Sales is acquiring Alliance Bus Group in a deal that will combine the country’s two biggest bus dealerships into one.
Alliance is the second-largest bus dealership in the United States, with locations across the South and Northeast.
With this acquisition, Creative Bus Sales will expand from 16 to 21 sales and service locations and a nationwide support network for its transit, school and retail bus customers. The purchase price wasn’t disclosed.
“This acquisition represents a significant strategic move for Creative, allowing us to better serve our existing customers along with the ability to offer unparalleled sales, service and support network to new and future customers,” said Tony Matijevich, Creative Bus Sales President, in a statement.
‘Tremendous synergy’
Launched in 1980, the Chino, California-based Creative Bus Sales represents more than 20 top manufacturers across the country. The company offers new and used bus sales, online parts ordering, service, warranty, in-house financing and alternative fuel conversions, including CNG, propane and electric.
The combination of the two dealership networks “benefits our manufacturer partners, as well, by bringing an elevated standard of quality products and services to new customers efficiently and economically,” Matijevich said.
The consolidation comes after the transportation industry has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a decline in the sale of large passenger vehicles.
Alliance Bus Group is headquartered in Atlanta and primarily serves the Southeast, Northeast and Texas markets with a very similar product line as Creative Bus Sales. Alliance has more than 100 employees in its sales and service locations in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey, Mississippi and New Hampshire.
“There is tremendous synergy between the two companies when you look at our respective product lines and unique dealership locations,” said Doug Dunn, CEO of Alliance Bus Group. “The acquisition makes a lot of sense for the industry and our valued customer base. Our customers and our employees will be in good hands with Creative.”
