Redbus Group (Redbus) is a UK based acquisition vehicle, which seeks to acquire small cap. businesses or business assets that require restructuring or re-financing and return them to profitability. Its roots are in the media business though it does not operate exclusively in this sector.

Redbus came into existence as an offshoot of Redbus Film Distribution which was founded in 1997 as a film distribution company. Redbus Film Distribution had rapidly established itself as one of the largest and most profitable film distributors in the UK. In late 2000 it was sold for $23 million to Helkon Media AG.

The key management, all from investment banking or professional backgrounds remained with Redbus Group after this transaction and segued Redbus’ focus towards acquiring media businesses and assets that were either undervalued, in distress or in need of restructuring.

Employing an entrepreneurial yet disciplined approach, Redbus, either in partnership with other financial institutions or alone, is constantly looking for opportunities to leverage off its capital, market knowledge and management resources.

The combination of Redbus’ intricate understanding of the corporate debt and securities market and its experience of managing businesses is both unusual and increasingly relevant in today’s financial markets. Thus far the combination has proved to be effective - recent exits include the sale of RFD, to Lionsgate Inc in late 2005 for $42 million. Redbus was also ranked the fastest growing company of 2003 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100.

Redbus Group is a UK based private company and the main operating vehicle of Simon Franks who is both the company’s chairman and largest single shareholder.