The Darlington company behind one of the area’s best-known taxi providers has been bought out.
1AB taxis, based in the town and elsewhere in County Durham, has been taken over by the Take Me firm.
The Leicestershire-based firm recently acquired several taxi companies in North Yorkshire and has now added the 39-year-old Darlington business to its portfolio.
1AB’s 170-car fleet will boost Take Me operations in Yorkshire while continuing to operate elsewhere in the North East.
Read more: Darlington's 1AB Taxis responds to shortage pressures
David Hunter, Take Me's CEO, said: “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 from 1AB 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.”
A perfect storm of Covid, Brexit, employment issues and licensing difficulties have contributed to a shortage in taxi services in Darlington, 1AB bosses said last year.
Managing Director Chris Bainbridge admitted he is proud of 1AB’s legacy but said the current climate of the taxi industry means businesses struggle to operate at their best.
Speaking after sealing the deal with Take Me, he 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.”
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