Derby private hire firm Chads Cars has merged with Birmingham’s Star Cars to create a Midlands operator with about 370 vehicles.
Professional Driver Magazine reports the deal landed 31 years to the day after Chads started. Star (~200 cars) covers Birmingham and much of the West Midlands; Chads (~170) serves Derby and Derbyshire. Group COO Martin Walker cited pandemic recovery and regional growth. Long-standing Chads directors Gary and Kevin Matkin retired; third-generation Zoe Matkin remains co-owner. Star director Emma Markham said the families had been friends for years and want a wider Midlands group.