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.
