Forest River Bus, a subsidiary of Forest River and a leading shuttle bus and van manufacturer, has acquired Collins Bus, one of “America’s oldest and most successful school bus builders.”
Collins Bus, a subsidiary of REV Group, was founded in 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri, and later moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. Collins Bus holds a status as the pioneer in the development of the Type A school bus, the company said. The innovation marked the beginning of a series of advancements that have played a pivotal role in shaping the reputation of Collins buses as the most versatile and trusted in the nation, it said.
Collins Bus was sold to Forest River Bus for a purchase price of $303 million in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments, according to a REV Group release.
“The addition of Collins Bus to the Forest River Bus family highlights another milestone in our overall growth and leadership,” stated Pete Liegl, president and CEO of Forest River. “The performance of our Bus and Van division is a shining star for Forest River, and this acquisition raises an already high bar.”
Forest River Bus President David Wright said, “We are thrilled to welcome Collins Bus into the Forest River family. This purchase combines the strengths and heritage of two industry leaders. Collins Bus has a remarkable history, unwavering commitment to quality, and a team of dedicated employees. We value their legacy and look forward to building on their success.”
Wright added, “Our focus is not only on the products but also on the people. The skilled and passionate employees at Collins Bus are a vital asset, and we are excited to collaborate with them to continue delivering top-notch school buses that prioritize the safety and well-being of students.”
Forest River said the acquisition signifies a joint commitment to maintaining the highest standards in manufacturing, customer service and product innovation. Forest River is committed to preserving the legacy of Collins Bus, while leveraging its own innovative approaches to enhance product offerings.
