KANKAKEE, Ill. — School and commercial bus distributor Midwest Transit Equipment announced on Monday that it sold the stock of its company to John McKinney, former president of Navistar’s global bus division, and an investment group led by Brightwater Partners.

The 41-year-old company will remain as Midwest Transit Equipment, and the former principal owners, Jim Bridgewater Jr. and Barry Huebner, will remain involved in the day-to-day operations of the business for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.

Midwest Transit Equipment is one of the largest bus distributors in the U.S., with operating locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri. The company is a distributor for IC Bus, a subsidiary of Navistar, as well as for Collins Bus, Starcraft, ElDorado, Elkhart Coach, Braun Corp., Berkshire Coach, and MV-1.

“IC Bus is extremely excited that a group led by John McKinney is ensuring strong leadership continuity with a critical component of our distribution network,” said Trish Reed, vice president and general manager for Navistar’s IC Bus division. “We are further excited that Barry Huebner and Jim Bridgewater Jr. will stay very much involved with the operation of the company, resulting in what we believe will be a formidable leadership team.”

“I have known Barry and Jim for years and feel honored and humbled that they have provided me with the opportunity to work alongside of them and build on the legacy of trusted partnerships that first Jim Bridgewater Sr. and then Barry and Jim have carefully developed over the years,” McKinney said.

Midwest Transit Equipment received a 2016 Diamond Premier Dealer award from IC Bus for securing a majority of the market share within a specific sales territory and exceeding annual sales goals. 

For more information on Midwest Transit Equipment, go here.