Stagecoach, the Perth-based bus and train operator, has today bought Aberdeen-based rival FirstGroup’s bus business in Wigan for £12 million.
The acquisition includes a bus depot in Wigan, some leased premises in Wigan bus station and about 120 vehicles.
Some 300 staff will transfer from FirstGroup to Stagecoach, joining the company’s existing 1,850 workers in the Greater Manchester area.
The business turned over £13.2m in the year to 31 March and made an operating profit of £1.5m.
Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We have a strong track-record of attracting more people to bus travel and these new operations will expand our successful high-quality operations in other parts of Greater Manchester.”
FirstGroup chief executive Tim O’Toole added: “The sale of our Wigan bus business marks continued progress in our programme of selected asset and business disposals as we review the scope and scale of our UK bus portfolio and reposition it for the longer term.
“With a clear focus we are working through a detailed plan to recover performance in our UK bus division and equip the business to achieve sustainable growth and improved returns.”