Winter Garden, FL – June 11, 2024, ABC Companies is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of the Van Hool brand motorcoach division by VDL Groep, coupled with a 10-year exclusive distribution agreement. The acquisition by VDL, a distinguished international industrial family business founded in 1953 and headquartered in Brainport Eindhoven (NL), marks a significant step towards diversifying and enhancing Van Hool production capabilities and customer offerings at ABC Companies.
With about 15,000 employees and a presence in 19 countries, the global VDL Groep brings vast experience, capabilities and stability to the motorcoach market. The Van Hool brand and its current models will join the existing VDL portfolio of motorcoach and transit/low floor offerings.
"The acquisition and continued partnership with VDL Groep represent a pivotal evolution for ABC Companies, fortifying our market offerings and reinforcing our role as industry leaders in supporting our customers and adopting advanced transportation technologies," said Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies. "This collaboration not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our commitment to innovation, customer service and quality, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers."
VDL Groep, celebrated for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, sees this acquisition as an opportunity to extend its reach and impact in the transportation industry. "Our mission extends beyond manufacturing advanced vehicles; we are dedicated to improving connectivity and environmental sustainability through our products," explained Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep. "Partnering with ABC Companies leads to strength through cooperation for both companies in terms of markets and product portfolios."
As ABC Companies integrates the VDL-owned Van Hool brand, it is focused on a seamless transition for all customers, maintaining business as usual while embracing the enhanced capabilities and innovations brought by VDL. This strategic alliance underscores ABC's resilience and adaptability, further enhancing its ability to lead with innovation, quality, and a customer-focused approach.
For more details, please refer to VDL's official press release here.
About ABC Companies:
ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment along with transit specialty vehicles including battery electric vehicles. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after-sales service network for service and repairs, collision services, and extensive OEM and quality ABC Select parts needs for transit, motorcoach, and heavy-duty equipment from strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, private, and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group – one of the largest financial service providers within the industry. For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2871 or visit the company website at www.abc-companies.com.
About VDL Groep:
Strength through cooperation. This is the cornerstone of VDL Groep, the international industrial family business with its head office in Brainport Eindhoven. Founded in 1953, now 71 years ago, the company has been run by the third generation of the Van der Leegte family since 2017. VDL Groep employs some 15,000 employees and operates in 19 countries. The group encompasses more than 100 closely cooperating operating companies, each with its own specialism. The activities of these companies can be summarised in the ‘five worlds of VDL’: Hightech, Mobility, Energy, Infratech and Foodtech. For more information, visit the company website at https://www.vdlgroep.com/en.
