Grenda selling

[system improver]

Basically bodies for a range of chassis.

http://www.hess-ag.ch/en/busse/busse.php

http://www.wrightbus.com/site/default.asp

[weeny25]

Both of those companies make quite intersesting buses. Wright produces double deckers in the UK, if they win we might see more double deckers here (like Bustech's).
However, Hess has very interesting products - biarticulated buses, long distance bus that is low entry.
And there are also bus trains, which look very wierd: http://www.hess-ag.ch/en/busse/linienbusse/buszuege.php

[1whoknows]

It should not be assumed that the winner will be someone who already produces designs that Volgren have imitated.

[Alex on the Bus]

It should not be assumed that the winner will be someone who already produces designs that Volgren have imitated.

I was simply pointing out a couple of firms that use a construction method similar to Volgren as "good fits"; there is always the possibility that another coachbuilding firm or an investor/consortium of investors previously not involved in bus manufacturing would end up buying the boys from 221 Hammond. Put it this way: other coachbuilders with Australian operations are either too small or, in the case of Customs, use processes almost completely different to what Volgren uses and could only be assumed to be buying just to take out a competitor.

[Tas Bus Nut]

use processes almost completely different to what Volgren uses and could only be assumed to be buying just to take out a competitor.

LOT of $$ to take out a competitor Money better spent possibly building better product to compete

[Grenda Webmaster]

http://www.volgren.com.au/news/news/vol ... e-13122011

enjoy

[CB80]

Relevant link: http://www.marcopolo.com.br/website/2011/

[system improver]

Right out of left hand drive field!

I note that the Grenda family still has a minority shareholding.

From Wiki:
Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant traveller from the Venetian Republic born in 1254 whose travels are recorded in Il Milione, a book which did much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China. He learned about trading whilst his father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, travelled through Asia and apparently met Kublai Khan. In 1269, they returned to Venice to meet Marco for the first time. The three of them embarked on an epic journey to Asia, returning after 24 years to find Venice at war with Genoa; Marco was imprisoned, and dictated his stories to a cellmate. He was released in 1299, became a wealthy merchant, married and had 3 children. He died in 1324, and was buried in San Lorenzo.

His connection with Brazil remains obscure.

[dex]

Sounds like ancient history to me.....

[V981]

Perhaps somebody here has some photos they can share of some Marcopolo built buses?

[Craig]

From the Wall Street Journal Blog:

Australian buses are capturing Brazilian interest.


Grenda Corporation

Grenda Corporation, which last month sold Grenda Transit Management to private bus operator Ventura, will sell a majority stake in Australia’s leading bus body builder Volgren to Brazilian Stock Exchange-listed Marcopolo for an undisclosed amount. The combined value for both transactions is believed to be around 500 million Australian dollars (US$504.5 million).

The Grenda family will retain local ownership through a 25% minority interest in Volgren — which has a market share of more than 40% in Australia — to ensure a smooth transition. For the financial year ending 30 June 2011, Volgren recorded revenue of A$207.1 million.

“We are particularly pleased to be associated with a company that shares our philosophy around people and are looking forward to working with them to ensure Volgren remains at its rightful place at the top of the Australian bus building industry,” Grenda chief executive Geoff Grenda said in a statement.

Mr. Grenda said the purchase was a positive endorsement of Volgren’s position as market leader and described its potential to grow both locally and offshore by joining the stable of one of the world’s largest bus manufacturers. Marcopolo has a turnover of around US$1.6 billion and produces around 30,000 buses a year from 11 plants around the world and the Volgren acquisition is part of its expansion strategy in foreign markets.

The Grenda family was advised by UBS, MGI Melbourne and Arnold Bloch Leibler while Marcopolo was advised by PWC.

Earlier this year, Grenda sold its 50% stake in Australian Transit Enterprises to joint venture partner Hornibrook Group.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Dennis Dart]

From http://www.marcopolo.com.br/website/2011/marcopolo/en/noticias/detalhes/2011-12-13/marcopolo_expands_its_international_operations_with_the_acquisition_of_the_largest_australian_bus_manufacturer

Notícias

MARCOPOLO EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THE LARGEST AUSTRALIAN BUS MANUFACTURER

Volgren Australia Pty. Limited is the local leader and holds 40% market share

Marcopolo, the Brazilian leader in the production of bus bodies, announces that it has signed, yesterday, December 12th, agreement to acquire 75% stake in the company Volgren Australia Pty. Limited, based in Melbourne, Australia. With the deal, the company continues its plan to expand its activities in the international market and gets into Oceania.

The Volgren is the largest bus body builder from Australia and has over 560 employees. The company has a presence throughout Australia with over 40% market share. In the last fiscal year, from July/10 to June/11, the company recorded sales of 698 units, with revenues of A $ 207.1 million (Australian dollars), equivalent to about US$ 209 million.

The amount to be disbursed by the participation of 75% of Volgren consist of an anticipation of the $ 52.5 million Australian dollars and adjustments related to company performance based on EBITDA in the next three years. Marcopolo has the right to exercise the remaining 25% stake after three years.
According to Marcopolo´s CEO, Jose Rubens de la Rosa, Australia still has a small market compared to the Brazilian - about 2,000 units/year. The Volgren is specialized in the production of buses and holds the technology of aluminum bus bodies, which provides weight reduction and is fully recyclable.

Although still small, the Australian market has grown at an average of 12% per year and an opportunity to be studied in the future is the development and supply to other market segments, such as coaches, charter and tourism, as well as export to neighboring countries.

Regards

Dennis

[josh01]

Ventura takes over grendas on January 3 2012

[Peter1805]

One thing which hasn't been publicized about the Grenda Transit sale/purchase is that there is apparently also a short-term minority player (a "minority shareholder" with an "exit strategy") involved in the deal.

[system improver]

One thing which hasn't been publicized about the Grenda Transit sale/purchase is that there is apparently also a short-term minority player (a "minority shareholder" with an "exit strategy") involved in the deal.

Hope St. Bus Line?

[CB80]

Ventura takes over grendas on January 3 2012

Source?

[josh01]

after making a complaint i received a call from one of the head managers at grendas but wont say his name . i asked him when do ventura takes over he said Jan 3

[B7RLE]

All our buses need roadworthys before the 3rd so maybe thats true but who knows

[dex]

I've heard the same, in fact on the radio tonight it was "ventura base to shift XXXX"...Very interesting.

[E.L.Wood]

All our buses need roadworthys before the 3rd so maybe thats true but who knows

It's now the 3rd of January, can anyone confirm if the take over has been completed yet?
There is nothing on either web site apart from the November announcement.

[CB80]

Last I heard they are still waiting on DoT approval, would be nice to have some updated information.

[tranzitjim]

With the third of January (being today) as being the takeover day............ I wish to hereby say...........

Farewell Grendas

Bon Voyage Grendas

Thanks for many years of service

[Peter1805]

There are some rumours around, but because they are just that, they are not worth repeating.

The facts will surface in due course.

[BroadGauge]

Once the facts surface about the actual takeover date, I wonder what the final Grenda-operated service (by that meaning a Grenda Corp bus, with a driver employed by Grenda) will be? I'd be guessing it'd be the final trip one night at one of the south-eastern ends of one of the orbital SmartBus routes?

I think a few years ago there was a group trip for the last Kefford-operated service, which was a route 409 trip late on a Sunday evening.

[Fleet Lists]

I have today disallowed a post where Grenda news was already being posted in the Ventura thread.