LBS South sells IC Bus distribution rights in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — LBS South has accepted a purchase offer from Sun State International Trucks of Tampa for its IC Bus distribution rights for the state of Florida and certain company assets.

“Sun State International Trucks has a proud history of delivering quality International truck products with excellent customer support,” said LBS South CEO Mike Leonard. “We’ll miss our school district partners in Florida, but they will be in good hands.”

“We are very happy to be the new distributor of IC Bus brand buses in the state of Florida,” said Oscar Horton, president and CEO of Sun State International Trucks. “We appreciate the opportunity presented to us by LBS South and IC Bus. We look forward to making sure that IC Bus customers continue to receive the quality buses and service they need.”

Sun State International Trucks sells and services a diverse set of truck and trailer offerings, including vehicles from Navistar’s International Truck — a sister company to IC Bus.

The decision to sell LBS South came after carefully weighing the offer presented by Sun State International Trucks and taking into account how the new ownership will continue to support LBS South’s existing customers, company officials said. With facilities located across central Florida, Sun State International Trucks customers will have access to International Truck’s statewide service and parts network.

“We have great comfort knowing LBS South’s customers will receive the attention they need to keep their IC Bus brand buses running safely and efficiently,” Leonard said. “Sun State International Trucks has an excellent reputation for providing quality vehicles and service. It is a great company; one that values its employees, its customers, and the communities they live and work in.”

Since late summer 2012, LBS South has served as the official Florida distributor of school and commercial buses from IC Bus.

The sale of LBS South does not in any way impact LBS South’s sister company, Leonard Bus Sales, a New York-based bus distribution company.

Terms of the sale were not released.