Yorkshire coach firms acquired by Go-Ahead
NORTH East-based transport business The Go-Ahead Group has expanded its Yorkshire and Teesside presence with the acquisition of four coach companies.
The Newcastle bus and rail operator has snapped up Procters Coaches based in North Yorkshire, Compass Royston which serves Stockton, Middlesbrough and Teesside, Esk Valley operating in North and East Riding of Yorkshire, and Fourway Coaches in West Yorkshire.
The acquisition adds 200 new employees including drivers and a fleet of 140 vehicles across five depots, in moves to strengthen the group’s footprint in the region, while also building relationships with local authorities and commercial partners.
The established companies bring a wealth of experience and a range of services to the new owners, with services including tendered local bus routes, home-to-school transport, private hire, and commercial contracts. The firm said the acquisition underscores its commitment to boosting connectivity and service excellence in the region.
Matt Carney, chief executive of Go-Ahead Bus, said: “This acquisition aligns seamlessly with GoAhead’s overarching mission to provide reliable, accessible, and sustainable transport solutions. We are committed to upholding our values of caring for our customers, our team, and our communities, while maintaining our position as trusted industry leaders.”
Ben Gilligan, managing director for East Yorkshire Buses, said: “We are excited to welcome these reputable companies into the Go-Ahead family, this acquisition represents a milestone in our growth journey, allowing us to expand our operations across in Yorkshire.”
Kevin Procter, who founded Procters Coaches in 1990, said: “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved in the past 30 years. I turned my father’s taxi company into Procters Coaches, starting with one minibus and one large coach. We have been on a journey of growth and innovation, and we are excited to hand over to the trusted GoAhead Group. We are fully supportive of Go-Ahead’s commitment to our team and their approach to driving positive change in the UK coach market, for local communities, customers, and the region.”
The deal comes three months after The Go-Ahead Group struck a deal to acquire Eastbourne Sightseeing, an operator of scenic bus tours of Eastbourne, Beachy Head, Birling Gap and surrounding areas.