Xelabus acquires Freedom Travel

We are pleased to announce that Xelabus will be acquiring the business assets of Freedom Travel in Poole, effective 1st July 2025. Freedom Travel is a well-established operator with over 15 years of service and a superb reputation throughout the Bournemouth and Poole areas. This acquisition is a key part of our ongoing expansion into Dorset and brings with it a strong portfolio of work and opportunities for growth.

As part of our integration plans, Freedom Travel operations will relocate to a new depot which we will be opening in Verwood in August with vehicle maintenance, admin and finance being centralised at Barton Farm Offices in Eastleigh.

Some vehicles currently within the Freedom fleet will be updated with two wheelchair accessible 85 seat double decker buses fitted with seatbelts, USB charging points and comfortable high back seats, making them ideal for local and long distance private hires. These will operate alongside several executive coaches.

Gareth Blair, Managing Director of Xelabus, said:

"This is a significant milestone for Xelabus. Acquiring Freedom Travel adds weight to our portfolio and provides a strong foundation of work for our newly acquired Verwood location."

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish Paul Comber a very well-deserved retirement. Paul has built Freedom Travel into a respected and successful business, and we congratulate him on his achievements.

We look forward to welcoming the Freedom Travel team into the Xelabus family.