Midlands merger creates emerging new force as Derby’s Chads joins Birmingham’s Star

Two leading midlands private hire operators have merged to create a regional giant with a combined fleet of 370 cars.

Chads Cars of Derby and Star Cars of Birmingham have joined forces – with the merger taking place 31 years to the day after Chads Cars started operations.

The two companies, which are both family-run businesses with proud histories of serving their local communities, have come together to pool their resources and improve services to both the public and their drivers.

Martin Walker, group chief operating officer of the combined business, said, “There is a great synergy of bringing together Star Cars, established in 1962, and Chads Cars, which covers the city of Derby and the county of Derbyshire.”

Star Cars has around 200 vehicles and serves Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Worcestershire and North Warwickshire. Chads Cars has a fleet of 170, making it one of Derby’s leading operators.

Walker said the plan was to grow the business to cover the whole of the midlands: “By bringing these two companies together, we have also secured hundreds of jobs, and created opportunities for more drivers to join us, while we continue to serve millions of passengers and grow the business out of the effects of the pandemic.”

Long-standing Chads Cars directors Gary and Kevin Matkin, sons of the business’ founder, have retired as part of the deal. Gary Matkin said, “The most important part of this merger is that it means Chads Cars will continue to be on the streets of Derby serving its loyal customers for many more years to come. I would also like to thank all our loyal staff and drivers for all their hard work and
commitment over the years, especially through the pandemic.”

Zoe Matkin, a third-generation member of the Matking family, remains as co-owner of Chads Cars. She said: “As my father and uncle retire from the business, I am delighted to carry on their legacy. This merger presents a great opportunity for positive change, while retaining our longstanding commitment to our customers and drivers.”

Emma Markham, director of Star Cars, said, “After many years of being friends with the Matkin family, we are delighted to have taken part-ownership of their family business, as we look to create a group of companies serving the whole of the Midlands. We look
forward to working with Zoe and the Chads Cars team; and extend our very best wishes to
those members of the Matkin family that are taking this opportunity to take a back seat.”