Take Me expands in the north-east with 170-car 1AB acquisition

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Fast-growing taxi operator Take Me has added another company to its portfolio. The Leicestershire-based group has acquired north-eastern operator 1AB Taxis, adding another 170 vehicles to the national fleet.

1AB was formed in 1984 in Darlington. Its name derives from its original slogan – “Anywhere in the town centre from A-B for £1” The fares are a little more expensive now, and the company operates in a larger area covering County Durham, Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding areas.

1AB’s managing director Chris Bainbridge said: “As we have grown, we have embraced current technology, from state-of-the-art dispatch systems, taxi butlers and in-car card payments.”

Take Me CEO David Hunter said: “Chris approached me last December, looking at how we could bring benefit to the company. After months of discussion and negotiations, we are delighted to announce this acquisition.”

He continued: “1AB’s 170-strong fleet will enhance our operations in the Yorkshire area. The management team at Darlington are excited to be part of a larger network with all the benefits this will bring. 1AB will sit along our other recent acquisitions in Yorkshire including Star Cars in Catterick, Station Taxis in Malton, Pickering Taxis and Hello Coopers in Bedale.”

Chris Bainbridge added: “We are excited about being part of the Take Me Group and look forward to the upcoming journey together. For us the security and strength this partnership brings helps our family run business of 39 years grow stronger and faster post-Covid and secures the future of our excellent call centre and office team and of all our partner drivers.”

Take Me continues to expand, and Hunter said a further 5 more companies would be joining the group before the end of the summer. He added that Take Me would start to rebrand its companies later this year, as it transitions to become a mobility as a service provider that manages its own fleets.