Alexander Dennis acquires Plaxton Holdings

The recent acquisition of Plaxton Holdings Limited by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is designed to consolidate the market-leading status of both companies in the U.K. and to provide a platform for entry into new European and global markets.

The combined enterprise, establishing an estimated $495 million business, has a product lineup ranging from mini, midi, single deck, two and three-axle double deck buses to small, medium-weight and heavy-duty coaches.

Officials say the newly formed company will continue to invest significantly in new bus and coach products while also forging strong alliances with international manufacturers such as Volvo, MAN, Scania, Mercedes and VDL. ADL and Plaxton will together employ around 1,900 people.

ADL is currently the U.K. market leader with around 40% of all new bus registrations, while Plaxton currently bodies almost 30% of all new coaches registered in the U.K.