Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Gillingham-based Rainham and London-based REL Capital.

Rainham is a coach and minibus hire company, operating several contracts alongside private hire and tour work. It has a modern fleet of vehicles and two sites in Gillingham.

REL Capital  is a UK private investment company that purchases, invests, and operates a number of businesses across a variety of sectors.

Post-sale, Rainham will be operated by REL Redwing, which REL Capital took over in February 2022.

Representing a retirement sale for former owners, the Graham family, the Rainham business will be led by Tom Maidman, director of REL Redwing, and his team.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Exeter-based Dealtop T/A Dartline Coaches by Newcastle upon Tyne-based Go-Ahead.

Beginning with eight vehicles in 1987, Dartline has grown its operations over its 25 years of trading and now possesses 84 vehicles, employs 118 people, and provides a comprehensive range of transport services. In addition to coaches and buses, Dartline runs special education needs taxis.

Established in 1987, Go-Ahead is one of the UK’s leading public transport companies with operations in the UK, Ireland, Singapore, Norway, and Germany. Formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange, in 2022 it was purchased by Kinetic Group and Globalvia.

In the West Country, Go-Ahead has grown rapidly. From its origins as Plymouth Citybus, the group expanded into East Cornwall in 2014, and again in 2020 through an eight-year contract to deliver rural bus routes from Lands End to the Tamar for the county council, creating Go Cornwall Bus. The combined operation was given a new corporate identity as Go South West.

Following the acquisition, Go South West will operate 380 vehicles and employ 90 people under four customer-facing brands: Dartline, Go Cornwall Bus, Go Devon Bus and Plymouth Citybus.