BuuPass, a Kenyan travel booking platform, has acquired its Nigerian and South African competitor, QuickBus, in a bid to expand its reach across Africa.
This move brings together two key players in the African
travel booking industry. BuuPass, backed by Founders Factory Africa and
FrontEnd Ventures, asserts over 6 million tickets sold and $100 million in
total sales since its launch in 2016.
The company focuses on national and cross-border routes in
East and Southern Africa, serving over 16 million passengers.
QuickBus, established in Kenya, 2017 and having raised over
$1 million in funding, brings its established presence in Nigeria and South
Africa to the table. This acquisition grants BuuPass access to new markets and
potential customers, pushing its active monthly users to 650,000.
The acquisition aims to simplify the user experience.
QuickBus’ developers and product managers will join BuuPass, facilitating a
smooth integration process. Additionally, QuickBus’s South African head of
operations will join BuuPass’s management team.
BuuPass plans to leverage QuickBus’ existing integrations
with major distribution channels in Nigeria and South Africa. This includes
platforms like Vodaphone’s VodaPay app, allowing BuuPass to reach millions of
potential customers through established payment methods.
The combined entity will offer a wider range of travel
options. While BuuPass currently focuses on bus bookings, the company plans to
integrate train and flight options, building upon offerings previously limited
in the Kenyan market.
Users can expect access to international routes across 16
African countries, with major routes like Johannesburg to Cape Town becoming
available immediately and more options promised by the end of the second
quarter.
The details of the cash and stock deal remain undisclosed by
both companies.
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