croc
The Cobb and Co bus operation purchased in recent years by the Dyson Group is in no way related to the business operated by Freeman Cobb. It was purchased with the Bell Street Bus Company as part of a package deal. This name had was not in use when it was registered by a Mr Don Nugent an emplyee of the bus company - the name was then available as it was not in use in that location
The original business ceased coach operations and ran a store and some mail trucks and the named was gifted to a transport operator in Queensland and still inoperation in 1973.
During the peak period of coach operation and its massive expansion during victorias gold rush. A number of sub contractors (arguably franchisees, perhaps not) and also rivals began using the name. The Dysons group name also does not come from this source.
Prior to the Bell Street Bus Company using this name Australian Pacific had owned the name Cobb and Co (although I am unsure of where they came by it or if they traded under it). I do know, however, that their registration of that name had lapsed. Bell St did not buy the name from AP. If there was a connection with the real company or a franchisee it was lost then.
The real history: http://www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au/About+Us/History/Legend+of+Cobb+Co/Cobb+Co+lives+on
The original business ceased coach operations and ran a store and some mail trucks and the named was gifted to a transport operator in Queensland and still inoperation in 1973.
During the peak period of coach operation and its massive expansion during victorias gold rush. A number of sub contractors (arguably franchisees, perhaps not) and also rivals began using the name. The Dysons group name also does not come from this source.
Prior to the Bell Street Bus Company using this name Australian Pacific had owned the name Cobb and Co (although I am unsure of where they came by it or if they traded under it). I do know, however, that their registration of that name had lapsed. Bell St did not buy the name from AP. If there was a connection with the real company or a franchisee it was lost then.
The real history: http://www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au/About+Us/History/Legend+of+Cobb+Co/Cobb+Co+lives+on