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B-LineXpress Co-Owner Nate Pippett
Edwards, Colo. — Local luxury private transportation and limousine service provider, B-LineXpress announced that they have acquired longtime local transportation provider RJ Limousines of Vail. This acquisition marks an expansion for B-Line as they look to increase their depth in the three primary markets—Vail Valley, Roaring Fork Valley, and Denver —that both B-Line and RJ Limos service. Rob'ert Milfeld, owner and founder of RJ Limos and B-Line's co-owners and founders Nate Pippett and Chris Bookidis were the primary handlers of the acquisition, though there was some professional consultation.
As a result of the deal, B-Line will acquire key aspects of RJ Limos' infrastructure including their affiliate contacts, websites, domains and customer database. While B-Line will not be acquiring any of RJ Limos' vehicle assets, they have opted to absorb some of RJ Limos' drivers.
"In our business, contacts and relationships greatly impact the bottom line, so while this acquisition is indicative of our growth, it will also allow us to reach even further into our existing markets," said Bookidis.
B-LineXpress Co-Owner Chris Bookidis
The assets that B-Line did acquire will be absorbed into the existing brand, based out of Edwards, Colo.
"With this acquisition, we project a 100 percent increase in revenue in 2017, but this acquisition is about more than the bottom line, it is about maintaining the B-Line culture," said Bookidis. "We deliver only the best on both ends – our customers receive a luxurious and safe transportation experience, and our employees enjoy comprehensive benefits that rival the best mountain employers."
Within their operating markets, a significant portion of B-Line's business was retail and private transportation, such as airport commutes, and corporate business was supplementary. By contrast, Milfeld's business and affiliates had ties to corporate business, particularly non-emergency medical transportation.
"As Rob'ert exits the industry we have an opportunity to build on the foundations that he established with weddings, special events, and commercial entities in the valley and bring them into the B-Line fold," said Pippett. "Though we never directly competed, both of our companies prioritized safety and service, and that will continue as we serve our community on all levels. Everybody has somewhere to be; we just want them to enjoy the experience of getting there."
Visit aspenvaillimo.com for more information.
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Epic Limo President Brian Sheely
Valparaiso, Ind. — Epic Limo has announced an expansion of their service area following the purchase of Ann Marie Limousines. This marks the company’s third acquisition in just over two years. Currently, Epic offers service in LaPorte, St. Joseph, Lake, and Porter Counties as well as the rest of the state.
Ann Marie Limousine was a subsidiary of Battisti Customs, a top manufacturer of custom vehicles. Epic’s strong relationship with Battisti’s owners led to an agreement to purchase the company. Epic moved Ann Marie’s operations to the South Bend Airport to better service its clients in St. Joseph County.
The move to South Bend Airport was no accident. In addition to strategic acquisitions, Epic Limo leverages its ties to the aviation industry to continue to grow. President Brian Sheely has years of experience in private aircraft charter and has brought those skills to bear in the limousine operation. Epic looks for opportunities to base locations at airports to better serve clients with convenience and speed.
Epic’s expansion began in 2015 when Sheely looked for opportunities for growth in the form of strategic acquisitions. That year, Epic Limo bought Cedar Mill Limo in St. John, Ind. The two companies already had a great working relationship, so purchasing Cedar Mill’s fleet and integrating its employees into the Epic team was a natural fit.
Then in June 2016, Epic acquired Southlake Limousine of Highland, Ind., Southlake had a large fleet and was one of the longest-running ground transportation companies in the state. Adding Southlake’s location to Epic’s footprint put the company within 28 miles of Chicago City Center and greatly expanded its ability to serve the Chicagoland and Northern Indiana areas.
Grateful for its growth and reach, Epic Limo is committed to giving back to the community and has shared its success by generously supporting various local charity organizations. Epic gives to a wide range of charitable efforts, such as Make a Wish, Housing Opportunities, Opportunity Enterprises, Reins of Life, The Caring Place, Honor Flight Network, and local VFW posts.
“It is our goal to provide our customers with top-notch service, in comfort and safety, whether we are taking them to the airport, on a corporate outing, or on a wine tour. We believe we provide the best luxury service in our markets,” says President Brian Sheely.
Visit epiclimoinc.com for more information.
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Detroit — The 2018 Lincoln Continental was a contender on a short list of vehicles competing for the top spot of Car of the Year via magazine Motor Trend. The prestigious award has been around since the publication’s founding in the late 1940s, and was won by the Lincoln Town Car in 1990. The last award for the Ford Motor Company was in 2010 with the Ford Fusion.
The Continental was up against such contenders as the Audi A5, BMW 5 Series, Tesla Model 3, and Volvo V90. Although the Continental did not end up as one of the seven finalists, Motor Trend gave props to the vehicle’s executive seating package in the back seat—a highlight for the most important vehicle component in our industry.
Coverage of the awards continues through the end of this month when all winners will be named. All coverage can be viewed here: motortrend.com/auto-shows/motor-trend-awards.
For more information on the Continental, visit lincoln.com.
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