Newcastle Coach Company Sid Fogg’s Sold to New Zealand Transport Group

14 August 2024

Newcastle, NSW – Sid Fogg’s Coaches, a well-known and long-standing family-owned business in Newcastle, has been sold to a company owned by New Zealand’s Ritchie family. The transaction is expected to be completed by Monday, 2nd September 2024.

Sid Fogg’s Coaches was established in 1957 by Sid Fogg, following his acquisition of bus operations from his brother Amos Fogg, who originally started Fogg’s Motor Service in the 1920s. Over the years, the company became a significant part of Newcastle’s transportation landscape, with its distinctive buses and coaches serving generations of local families. The company grew further under the ownership of Philip and Pam Fogg in the 1970s before being sold to Graham and Kathy Habgood in 1989. For the past 35 years, the Habgoods have maintained the company’s reputation for reliability and service across the Hunter Region.

The new owners, Sid Foggs Australia, formed by Andrew and Glen Ritchie, plan to retain the Sid Fogg brand, recognising its iconic status in the region. The Ritchie family, who have a long history in the transport industry with their own company, Ritchies Bus & Coach, intend to expand the business while maintaining its commitment to safety and service. Sid Fogg’s will continue to be a familiar presence in Newcastle, with ongoing plans to grow the business and introduce new initiatives.

The Habgood family will assist with the transition, ensuring a smooth handover to the new owners, with Katie Habgood and Michael Habgood expected to remain in key management roles. The legacy of Sid Fogg’s Coaches as a trusted and integral part of Newcastle’s transportation history is set to continue under this new chapter.

Sid Fogg’s Coaches has been a part of Newcastle’s fabric for over 60 years, with a rich history of providing transport services across the Hunter region and beyond. The company’s sale marks the end of an era for the Habgood family but also signals new opportunities for growth under the Ritchie family’s leadership.