Sightseeing specialist Big Bus Tours is steering a course for Asia with the takeover of the Singapore Duck & Hippo tours company.
The acquisition for an undisclosed sum will see Big Bus Tour further expand into the region.
Duck & Hippo was founded in Singapore in 2002 with two amphibious Duck vehicles and ten staff and has grown into a 120-staff operation with a fleet of 50 assorted vehicles.
More than 650,000 passengers a year in Singapore use Duck & Hippo tours, with key partners including Expedia, Viator and Ctrip.
Big Bus executive chairman Pat Waterman said: “The eclectic mix of cultures, food and architecture make this city perfect for open-top sightseeing, giving visitors the freedom to hop-on and hop-off to explore all its wonders.”
Chief executive Alex Payne added: “Duck & Hippo management have run a very successful operation since 2002 and we are keen to continue with their expertise, knowledge of the city, and relationships with key partners.
“They have set a high standard for tours in Asia and so we are excited for them to help us expand further into the region.”
Duck & Hippo CEO James Heng said: “This transaction marks an important milestone. Coming under the umbrella of Big Bus Tours will open up many new opportunities for the Singapore team.
“Our success is in making it easier for the visitors to see Singapore for less. The open top bus touring system is more than a popular sightseeing system, it also doubles up as a transport system connecting visitors between their hotel and all key attractions during their stay in Singapore.”