**Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Creative Bus Sales acquired National Bus Sales, but story has been amended to properly say National Bus Sales & Leasing.

Creative Bus Sales, the nation's largest bus dealership with 16 locations across the U.S., announced the acquisition of National Bus Sales & Leasing, the second-largest bus dealership with 13 locations throughout the country. With this acquisition, Creative Bus Sales expands its industry leading sales and service locations while increasing nationwide support for its transit, school and retail bus customers.

"This acquisition represents a significant strategic move for Creative and validates the company's mission to provide unparalleled sales, service and aftermarket support for our nationwide customer base," commented Tony Matijevich, president of Creative Bus Sales. "It not only enables our sales team to serve additional markets, but also benefits our manufacturer partners by bringing an elevated standard of quality products and services to customers in an efficient and economical manner."

National Bus Sales & Leasing, founded in 1974, is headquartered in Marietta, Ga., and primarily serves the Southeast, Central and Mid-Atlantic markets with a very similar product line as Creative Bus Sales. National Bus Sales & Leasing currently has over 100 employees in its sales and service locations. Like Creative Bus Sales, National Bus Sales & Leasing is a family-owned and operated company.

"There is tremendous synergy between the two companies when you look at our respective product lines and unique dealership locations," stated John Smith, chairman, National Bus Sales & Leasing. "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."