Transport group Go-Ahead boosted its car Parking business at UK airports today with a £1.2 million acquisition.

Go-Ahead said the deal to buy Chauffeured Parking Services (CPS) would enhance profitability and generate savings at its car parking arm Meteor.

CPS generates an annual turnover of £2.2 million from providing parking services such as car valeting and transfers to other airports.

The core business involves customers driving directly to the airport where their car is parked for them by a chauffeur. This vehicle is then delivered back to the terminal on their return.

Meteor - the third largest parking company in the UK - already manages 41,000 spaces at Heathrow, Stansted, Edinburgh and Southampton airports on behalf of BAA.

The acquisition of CPS gives it a presence at Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airports as well as valet parking services at Heathrow.

Details emerged as CPS clinched a new five-year concession to provide services to all terminals at Heathrow.

Stephen Turner, managing director of Meteor, said his company had exceeded forecasts since becoming part of the Go-Ahead Group two years ago.

He added: "The acquisition of CPS brings Meteor to airports where it is not already represented.

"It also enables CPS to develop its business quickly in response to the requirements for quality "official" valet parking at further airports."

The deal builds on new business won by Meteor including an exclusive contract to provide parking services at Newcastle Airport.

Meteor also has an Internet-based pre-booking parking service and manages more than 6,000 spaces for organisations such as London Underground, local authorities, NHS trusts and hotels.

Newcastle-based Go-Ahead operates rail franchises Thameslink, South Central and Thames Trains and bus services in London, Oxford, Newcastle, Brighton, Crawley and Bournemouth.

Its aviation division, aviance, carries out ground handling at 17 airports including Gatwick.

Friday June 11, 2004