First UK Bus has refused to comment specifically on rumours that its loss-making business in Greater Manchester is to be broken up and sold.
Media speculation has been rife that First Manchester, which has depots in Bolton, Cheetham Hill and Oldham, was in the process of being disposed of following a report in the Daily Telegraph.
A fourth base, in Rusholme, which was acquired with the Finglands business, recently closed.
“We don’t comment on market rumours or speculation. We keep all bus services, depots and the business portfolio under constant review so we can be responsive to changes in market conditions,” says a First Bus spokesperson.”