Private hire firm set to create London's largest car and taxi service with black cab acquisitions

A London private hire business has announced that it will create the capital’s largest hire and taxi service with its acquisition of a black taxi provider.

Addison Lee, which provides car hiring services, has confirmed that it will be acquiring the London operations of black taxi firms Computer Cab (ComCab), City Fleet Networks and Flightlink International from the ComfortDelGro Corporation.

The acquisition makes Addison Lee London’s largest private hire and taxi company with more than 7,000 vehicles.

The company, which also contains a courier business, will offer all three services on one platform.

Liam Griffin, CEO of Addison Lee, commented: “I am sure there will be a few raised eyebrows at this deal given that Addison Lee and black taxis were once seen as competitors.

“However, the industry we operate in has changed and this alliance combines the two most professional companies in our sectors who share the same focus on quality of service, the customers we serve and the importance of the drivers.

“We have always held the black taxi as our benchmark, and it’s now a privilege to be able to work with them.

“As London emerges from the pandemic, there’s going to be a significant increase in demand for safe, quality transport from both corporates and consumers.

“The London black taxi is iconic and famous as the best taxi service anywhere in the world.

“By bringing Addison Lee and ComCab together we consolidate our position as the market leader in corporate ground transport and we will be able to meet the need for quality and excellence in a way that none of competitors can.”

Rudy Tan, CEO of CityFleet Networks, said: “We are excited to be coming together with a strong brand like Addison Lee that shares many of our same values.

“By joining forces with Addison Lee, our customers will have access to a wider choice of premium transport solutions, and our Hackney Carriage drivers will get access to a growing pool of customers and more opportunities to work.

“Keeping the ComCab branding will preserve our status as the leading taxi operator in London.”

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