French RATP has bought HR Richmond transport company in Surrey. © DR - Click to enlarge
While presenting the 2011 group results April 13, 2012
(read in French), RATP Dev CEO, Jean-Marc Janaillac, announced three major operations by next summer, "on three different continents".
The French public transport company aims at increasing its turnover by 20%, to reach one billion euros this year.
First act, in Great-Britain : RATP Dev just bought HR Richmond. "With 85 bus and 25 coaches, the company operates 14 bus lines on behalf of Transport for London and 4 bus lines in Surrey, but also touristic services", says RATP Dev press release.
Epsom Coaches which is one of HR Richmond brand will still operate as an independant departement of RATP and will be managed by Steve Whiteway, general manager.
The buying of HR Richmond has been achieved by RATP Dev, a subsidiary of the French public transport operator which aims at developping outside Paris and suburbs where it concentrates most of its activities.
Nathalie Arensonas
