MV Sales and Leasing to Acquire BusWest From LA Freightliner

FAIRFIELD, Calif., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MV Sales and Leasing, Inc. (MVSL) a wholly owned subsidiary of MV Transportation, Inc. of Fairfield, California (MVT) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement for MVSL to acquire specific assets of BusWest. The acquisition is expected to be completed within the next few months and includes equipment/inventories, employees and parts/service operations. Together with BusWest, MVSL looks forward to continuing to represent all of BusWest's brands that have been established through their comprehensive dealer agreements.

Leading the MVSL executive team through the acquisition, Gary Willms, President of MVSL said, "Our careful evaluation of bus dealers quickly revealed BusWest as a perfect fit to further MV Sales and Leasing's goal for a near-term, market effective distribution program. The resources, experienced talent, and personalities of the BusWest team contribute greatly to MVSL's professional sales and management group."

"BusWest couldn't be more fortunate than to be acquired by such a fine group," stated Jim Bernacchi, President of BusWest. "We are eager to facilitate a quick and smooth transition to MVSL. While BusWest will continue to bring the transportation market unmatched commitment and solutions better than any other dealer, this change of ownership will simply bring even more options for our customers and OEMs.  We will continue to carry on the local touch of BusWest services, products and competitive pricing." BusWest management and operations will continue under Bernacchi's leadership with all people and positions expected to remain for the foreseeable future.

Conan Barker, President of LA Freightliner commented, "The strategic value that MVSL brings to BusWest makes the transition one that will benefit our customers and the staff.  We look forward to continuing our close relationship with BusWest in the future and working together to ensure a seamless transition."

Jon Monson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MVT commented, "We see tremendous potential with this acquisition as we continue with our strategy of steadily expanding our product and services portfolio in the transportation market. Moreover, this acquisition has exciting synergies and affords MVSL instant market access, capable distribution, and critical support systems for the MV-1 paratransit vehicle."

Located in Carson, California, BusWest will be the preferred supplier of buses for MV Transportation and will continue to be a local provider of buses and bus related services with several locations throughout California, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona and New Mexico.

About MV Sales and Leasing:

Established in 2009 MV Sales and Leasing, Inc. (www.mvsales.biz) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MV Transportation and is the exclusive distributor of the Vehicle Production Group's MV-1 to the municipal paratransit market in the United States.

About MV Transportation:

Based in Fairfield, California, MV Transportation, Inc. (www.mvtransit.com) is the largest private provider of paratransit services and the largest privately-owned transportation contracting firm in the United States. The company employs more than 12,500 dedicated transit professionals and operates more than 190 paratransit, fixed-route, shuttle and Medicaid contracts in 26 states, the District of Columbia, and British Columbia.

About BusWest:

BusWest, Inc (www.buswest.com) is a full spectrum passenger transportation equipment solution provider headquartered in Carson, California.  BusWest has five bus service facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii offering complete warranty services, parts, and technical support for school buses, transit buses, shuttle buses, paratransit buses, tour coaches and other specialty vehicles.  BusWest carries the following bus brands: Thomas Built Buses, Starcraft Bus, Elkhart Coach, Ameritrans, Turtle Top, Caio North America, Galaxy Coach and Foton America Bus Company.

Copyright © 2011 MV Sales and Leasing. All rights reserved.

SOURCE MV Sales and Leasing, Inc.