Purtills’ director Neville Purtill announced the sale to a gathering of staff on Wednesday, highlighting that it was a transition “from one family business to another”.
He also emphasised that Purtills would continue operating its vast range of other local businesses.
“We have exciting times ahead, with the opening of our new museum and administration centre to take place in February, coinciding with the official opening of our newly renovated Hardinge Street roadhouse,” Mr Purtill said.
He said he was delighted that as part of the deal with the Dyson Group, all staff involved in the bus and coach division of Purtills would be invited to transition to the new owners.
Dyson Group joint managing director Lance Deacon said the company is pleased to be welcoming the Purtills employees to Dysons.
“This is a quality operation that is an ideal fit with our northern Victoria and southern New South Wales regional operations,” he siad.
“We look forward to continuing the high level of service Purtills has provided over many decades.”
It is anticipated that Dysons will start operating the Deniliquin, Finley and Hay depots from December 1, 2019.
The Purtill family has been operating in the bus and coach industry since 1951, and the business has expanded during this time to a fleet of 55 vehicles operating NSW Government route and school services, and private charter services.
The Dyson Group, a family owned and operated bus company, has been in business since 1952 and has four generations of experience in quality passenger transport.
The Group operates more than 500 buses and coaches, while employing more than 900 staff in metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and NSW.
“In some respects the transition to Dysons on December 1 will be a sad day for the Purtill family, after nearly 70 years in the local bus and coach industry,” Mr Purtill said.
“However, we were presented with a unique opportunity for a transition from one family business to another, with all jobs protected. The Purtill business has been built around our staff and community, and we have ensured these both remained front of mind throughout this sale process.”
Mr Purtill said he looks forward to being in a position to concentrate on the opening of the new museum and administration centre in Hardinge St, Deniliquin.
“It’s no secret that I have a great passion for this museum, which I am confident will become a tourist drawcard, but will also be of great interest to locals.
“Our staff are working diligently to ensure it is ready for an official opening in February. That will be an exciting day.”
Mr Purtill said the local family company, started by his father Keith 68 years ago, would continue to be a significant local business through its service stations, Wired Entertainment, fuel distributorship, vehicle hire and car wash.
“The Dyson Group has shown tremendous confidence in our region’s future and we warmly welcome them to our community.”
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