Preston Bus drives Rotala income
Turnover at transport management company Rotala has risen 18 per cent to £26.6m, it was revealed this morning. The Birmingham-based company attributed the boost in part to its acquisition of Preston Bus.
Rotala bought Preston Bus in January this year for £3.2m. In its latest six-month interim statement, it said the acquisition has provided "a significant expansion" of its activities into a new geographical area.
In addition to the acquired North West route, the company operates bus services in the West Midlands under the "Diamond Bus" banner and in Bristol as "Wessex Connect".
Alongside a growth in turnover in its six-month results, pre-tax profit also increased by 15 per cent to £0.92m. However, the cost of sales rose 21 per cent, preventing a larger return.
The company said it had recently signed a lease for a new depot at Avonmouth near Bristol during the six months to 31 May.
Rotala's chairman, John Gunn, said: "This new depot gives us the expansion capacity we have been seeking for some time in this region, as well as excellent facilities for parking, maintenance and training."
