Privately-owned Temuka-founded Ritchies Coachlines has bought the New Zealand, Australian United Kingdom business of in-bound tour operator Kirra Holidays, for an undisclosed sum.
Ritchies operates about 900 buses around the country, including about 10 Kirra-branded buses, and has 14 branches around the country, including a shareholding in Intercity Coachlines.
It was understood from industry sources Kirra had experienced a downturn in bookings, especially from Australian tourists, because of the recession.
Managing director Glen Ritchie was contacted for comment, but would only say that Kirra bookings of visitors numbered in the thousands each year.
When asked about a potential boost to Ritchies' operations, he noted Ritchies had been operating the distinctive Kirra-branded buses "for several years already".
Kirra would now be operated by Anzcro, owned by Guthrey Holdings, which would manage all day-to-day Kirra business activities, including finance, product, marketing, client services, IT and strategic development.
Anzcro and Kirra Holidays would be managed together, but as independent brands. Business development managers would promote both brands and their respective services, to target a wider audience in New Zealand-bound travellers, Anzcro said in a statement.
Anzcro has been involved in New Zealand tourism for 19 years, offering skiing and package holidays, motorhomes, car rentals and accommodation.
Marketing material for the more than 70-year-old Ritchies says it has more locations than any other operator in New Zealand, with tour operations based in Auckland and Christchurch. It operates urban services, charters and school routes, including services on the Chatham Islands.
