Germany-based FlixMobility acquired Greyhound Lines, based in Dallas, from FirstGroup. FlixMobility with a value of 3 billion US dollars has set up Europe’s largest long-distance bus network, launched the first green long-distance trains in 2018 and started a pilot project for fully electric buses in Germany, the USA and France.
FlixBus will combine its 2,500+ destinations in 36 countries with 400,000 daily connections – all outside the US – with Greyhound’s 16 million annual travelers and 2,400 North American destinations.
We asked Greyhound CEO Dave Leach a few questions about the deal.
D CEO: Why did this sale make sense for Greyhound?
DAVE-LEACH: “FirstGroup has been trying to sell Greyhound Lines for some time. The purchase combines Greyhound’s iconic national presence and experience with the innovative global technology and shared transportation experience of FlixBus. Together, we will be able to better meet the need for intercity buses in communities in the United States. “
D CEO: How much did FlixMobility invest to acquire Greyhound Lines?
Lye: “FirstGroup has entered into an agreement to sell Greyhound Lines, the US Greyhound business – including its fleet of vehicles, brands and certain other assets and liabilities – for an enterprise debt and cashless value of $ 46 million plus unconditional consideration deferred of $ 32 million at an interest rate of 5 percent per year. “
D CEO: How will FlixMobility improve Greyhound’s offerings?
Lye: “We are excited about the combination of Greyhound and FlixBus and the added value it will offer our customers. Leveraging FlixBus’ global technology and mobility expertise and Greyhound’s over 100 years of experience as the largest intercity bus operator in the US, travelers can enjoy safe, modern, comfortable and efficient travel in the US at affordable prices. “
Communities Foundation of Texas and others donate $ 2 million to Metro Dallas Homeless Alliances.
The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliances met their $ 10 million funding goal to quickly provide housing to 2,700 people and families affected by homelessness over the next two years. Funds were received from 19 families, businesses, organizations, and foundations, including $ 2 million pledges from Bank of America, Margot Perot and the Perot Family, and the Communities Foundation of Texas.
Dave Scullin
“By connecting people to a home, they can then address other challenges that may have led to their homelessness, such as: “The intervention was also effective for people traditionally considered more difficult to serve, including people with limited or no income and domestic violence survivors, as well as those who experienced homelessness as a more temporary slip due to unexpected, intensifying life challenges. ”
Another US $ 72 million is being funded through the US federal rescue plan provided by local governments and DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas. The city of Dallas and Dallas County each provided $ 25 million, and the cities of Mesquite and Grand Prairie contributed 758 emergency housing vouchers.
Homelessness in Numbers, per CFT:
The number of local homeless has increased significantly in recent years, with a 50 percent increase between 2017 and 2020 and a further increase of 11 percent from 2019 to 2020 needs for our community, ”said Scullin.
Whitley Penn’s Felix Lozano honored as the winner of the YMCA Inaugural Catalyst Initiative Award
Whitley Penn’s Dallas Partner-in-Charge Felix J. Lozano, III, was honored by the Metropolitan Dallas YMCA as a recipient of the Inaugural Catalyst Initiative Award in recognition of his volunteer efforts in North Texas.
Felix Lozano wins the YMCA Catalyst Initiative Award
Jim Herndon, on-site portrait painting
For the past nine months, Lozano has volunteered four hours of his day every Saturday to distribute food at Park South YMCA. In the future, Lozano will continue to look out for improvements in south Dallas.
“I plan to make Dallas a better place, focused on southern Dallas,” he told D.’s CEO. “This will range from distributing food to beautifying the streets and neighborhoods that line the park South surrounded YMCA.
Lozano said his parents’ example nurtured his servant spirit. “My mom and dad were timers,” he said. “Mama babysit to make ends meet. My father gave his employers his time after work by helping out in their homes or ranches. And as if that wasn’t enough, he helped transition friends who came from Mexico to Texas in search of a better life. “
Alejandro Laplana of Shokworks appointed to Forbes Technology Council
Dallas-based Shokworks CEO Alejandro Laplana was recently inducted into the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community that is open to technology CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and other senior executives.
The council “brings together proven leaders from every industry and creates a curated, social capital network that helps each member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils.
Shokworks provides custom software development and IT consulting services for global startups and large corporations looking to face digital transformation. Laplana was observed, reviewed and selected by an audit committee based on the depth and diversity of its experience.
Criteria for admission to the Forbes Technology Council are:
- A track record of successfully influencing business growth metrics
- Personal achievements and honors
- Professional achievements and honors
“My entire career has revolved around integrating the technical leaders with the financial and managerial resources that partner companies need to be leaders in their categories,” said Laplana. “I hope to share these skills with the Forbes Technology Council as I have the chance to be among the best in the country.”
Orlando-based RedCoach has brought its luxury coach services to Texas, offering non-stop routes between Houston, Dallas, Austin, college station, and Waco. Fares start at $ 25, with a maximum of $ 60 for a one-way trip and $ 120 for a return trip.
RedCoach’s fleet offers first and business class options with amenities including free WiFi, electrical outlets, onboard entertainment, free snacks and water, no baggage fees, and more. RedCoach’s luxury coaches are equipped with 26 seats that offer guests plenty of legroom and bed-like seats that can be tilted up to 140 degrees.
“Texas has grown tremendously in the last decade, and as more people and businesses move to the state, it makes sense for RedCoach to bring a new way of travel to market, ”said Florence Cirigliano, Vice President of Marketing at RedCoach.
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