Go-Ahead Group acquires four Yorkshire coach companies

Credit: The Go-Ahead Group

The Go-Ahead Group has announced the acquisition of four regional coach companies, marking an expansion in North and West Yorkshire, as well as the North East. The acquired companies include Procters Coaches in North Yorkshire, Compass Royston serving Stockton, Middlesbrough and Teesside, Esk Valley in North and East Riding of Yorkshire and Fourway Coaches in West Yorkshire.

This acquisition adds 200 employees, including skilled drivers, and a fleet of 140 vehicles across five depots. It strengthens Go-Ahead’s presence in the region and enhances relationships with local authorities and commercial partners. The increased capacity aims to improve connectivity for customers, linking them to essential destinations such as schools, colleges and workplaces.

These established companies bring experience and diverse services to Go-Ahead, including local bus routes, home-to-school transport, private hire and commercial contracts. This move highlights Go-Ahead’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and service in the region.

Matt Carney, Chief Executive of Go-Ahead Bus, said: “This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Go-Ahead’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.”

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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 a broader geography in Yorkshire.”

The acquisition complements Go-Ahead’s existing operations in the region, enhancing the success of East Yorkshire Buses. Recent expansions include JustGo North Lincs in 2020 and North Riding services in North Yorkshire. Customer satisfaction surveys by Transport Focus rated East Yorkshire Buses highly, with a 90% satisfaction rate.

The acquisition aims to deliver improved transport solutions and service excellence across North and West Yorkshire, and the North East, marking a new chapter of growth and connectivity for Go-Ahead and the communities it serves.