On September 8th, 2015 AFC Transportation and Echo Transportation announced their merger.
Two Texas firms unite to create a large diversified Texas size transportation company.
The leadership team responsible for integration plans, operational oversight and future acquisition growth consists of the following five business owners: AFC Sonny El-Lahham (Chairman), John Ferrari (CEO), AFC Chris Jarrard (President & COO), Tanner West (CFO) and Thom Fox (CMO). The combined organizations will draw from the talented group of leaders from both companies and key management positions which have been determined to execute integration plans as a top priority.
The merger was formally announced last month bringing together a diverse network of territories in Texas (Houston, Dallas, San Angelo, Waco & Tyler) with more room to grow and expand. According to Ferrari, more acquisitions are to come, as TBL Group plays out a 15734 Aldine Westfield Rd. Houston, Texas 77032 2 strategy to consolidate and capture the golden triangle of Texas (Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio/Austin). In addition to expanding in Texas, TBL Group also have locations in Alaska, Florida & Wyoming.
Terms of the deal and revenues were not disclosed, but Ferrari said this makes the largest Texas deal in the diversified ground transportation business in our industry with more to come.
With over 500 employees and combined fleet of 300+ vehicles, this merger of equals will keep their local branding and maintain its own identity but tie together centralized reservations, sales, maintenance and vehicle utilization. The makeup of fleet consists of Sedans, Luxury Sedans (BMW & Mercedes) SUV’s, Vans, Executive Vans, Minibuses, School Buses, Transit and Paratransit Buses, Mini-Coaches and Motorcoaches.
John Ferrari, President of AFC Transportation and Chris Jarrard, President of Echo Transportation have declared their intention to maintain the very best aspects of both businesses to maximize the quality of standards, streamlined process, vehicle utilization and profitability, Said John Ferrari, CEO of TBL Group, Inc.
Recognizing their staff, First thing that Ferrari and Jarrard announced was a thank you to their staff for all the hard work over the many years. Ferrari and Jarrard say to the employees, “This merger is a result of your hard work that makes AFC and AFC the terrific transportation company it is today. Congratulations on a job well DONE!”. Ferrari says never forget your family, all the employees he considers and treats as family.
About AFC GBJ Inc. dba AFC Transportation was formed in 1991 and fully operational as of January 28, 1992. John Ferrari and his step-father Sonny El-Lahham started the company with one vehicle creating a diversified transportation company over the 24 years.
About Echo, Echo Tours and Charters, LP dba Echo Transportation was formed in 2010 by consolidating the interests of Sublink Stage, Gotta Go Trailways, Buses By Bill, Central Texas Trails, Brazos Valley Tours, and Lone Star Trailways. Echo began its operations with 14 mini buses and currently operates a diverse fleet of over 160 motorcoaches, minibuses, transit buses and activity coaches in the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tyler, Waco, and San Angelo markets.
