FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 29, 2008 

For more information, contact: Tiffini Bloniarz, Director, Corporate Communications & PR, 630-435-8048

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Durham School Services, the second largest student transportation provider in the United States, announced the acquisition of A&E Transport Services Inc. Headquartered in Oswego, New York, A&E operates approximately 300 school buses in New York State and has been serving this area for more than 26 years. A&E also has 5 additional locations. Durham completed the acquisition February 29, 2008, and has begun the process of integrating the company.

A&E was founded in 1981 as a single-man operation out of Oswego, NY, serving school districts and special-needs children. Through the years, A&E experienced dramatic growth, eventually extending across New York, from the Canadian border to New York City.

“A&E Transport is a quality addition to the Durham School Services family,” said David Duke, Senior Vice President of Services. “The acquisition allows us to achieve our growth goals and increase our market presence in the state of New York. A&E has a reputation for service excellence and a philosophy that is very similar to Durham’s. We will continue to provide the same quality services while adding the benefit of national resources in safety, training, recruiting and operations.”

“There was a good synergy between the leaders at Durham and the leaders of A&E,” said Jay Saternow, President, CEO and founder of A&E. “This acquisition offers a great opportunity for both organizations.”

Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 27 states and operates a fleet of more than 12,000 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time and ready to learn...every day.”

National Express Corporation (NEC) is the North American subsidiary of National Express Group, PLC, one of the premier transportation firms in the United Kingdom. NEC is made up of Durham School Services in the United States and Stock Transportation in Canada. Both Durham and Stock share a strong commitment to provide quality transportation, outstanding customer service, positive employee relations and the highest level of safety. 

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