Sheffield taxi merger set to become one of the biggest operators in the country

Two of the biggest taxi firms in Sheffield announced today that they are set to merge.

From 1 June, City Taxis will acquire Mercury Taxis, which will increase the combined business’ fleet to more than 1,400 drivers. Existing fare structures will remain unchanged.

This deal comes after City Taxis recently switched to a state of the art new 10,000sq ft headquarters and offices at Waterside Court, Attercliffe, Sheffield, from previous premises at Manor Top in the city.

Completing 75,000 per week, City Taxis currently has 1,000 public and private sector accounts, employs 85 people at its offices and will acquire 39 staff from Mercury in the merger.

The total combined average job count will hit 110,000 per week. City Taxis aim to become a benchmark for private hire operators in the UK through use of technology, enhanced customer service, improved safety and higher driver standards.

city Taxis has recently introduced one of the world’s most advanced booking and dispatch systems. Other features include an intelligent phone system and an innovative and informative online booking portal.

Arnie Singh, managing director of City Taxis, said: “At a time when competition for business within the taxi industry is increasing, this merger and consolidation is a significant and important move for both companies. It also provided a suitable exit route for the shareholders of Mercury Taxis in light of their desire to retire from playing an active role in the business.”

“Our drivers will be able to access fares across the entire city and well into the surrounding areas such as Rotherham, North Derbyshire and Barnsley. City Taxis will strengthen its position as everyone’s ‘local’ taxi company and provide a very strong service in every Sheffield postcode and beyond.”

“We are all looking forward to this exciting chapter in our company’s development. City Taxis believe that by facilitating this merger and by all working together it can provide the public in the Sheffield City Region with an enhanced standard of service”.

Dermot Griffiths, Mercury Taxis General Manager, added: “We sought a merger with another company because we believe that being part of a larger organisation such as City Taxis will allow us to provide a wider array of coverage for our drivers and customers alike. A larger organisation will also mean our staff and drivers will benefit from even more chances to develop.

“City Taxis shares the same values we do. Before agreeing to a merger we held extensive talks which exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to all our staff having a new and exciting working environment and our combined customer base receiving even better levels of service.”