The Go-Ahead Group has continued its expansion in the coach field with the acquisition of Oxfordshire operator Pearces Coaches. It will become part of the growing Oxford Bus Group subsidiary led by Managing Director Luke Marion.
Purchase of Pearces follows the acquisition and integration into Oxford Bus Group by Go-Ahead of Pulhams Coaches of Bourton-on-the-Water during 2023 and Swanbrook of Cheltenham in 2024, along with several other coach operator buys by the group elsewhere in England.
Speaking about the decision to sell, Pearces Coaches Managing Director Martin Pearce says: “We are delighted to join Go-Ahead, which shares our approach in offering high-quality, reliable and punctual services to the local community.
“As a leading public transport business with such a strong local presence, we know our loyal customers will continue to experience excellent service when we become part of Go-Ahead.”
The buyer’s Group Chief Executive Miguel Parras adds: “Pearces Coaches is a fantastic operator with an excellent reputation, and we are delighted to welcome it to Go-Ahead.
“Our Oxford Bus [Group] has gone from strength to strength, connecting customers from a wider area with a wider range of services. We have grown our coach and bus services significantly in the last few years to provide additional high-quality services for schools, local businesses, and local authorities.”
Pearces was established in 1970 and has an O-Licence authorising 14 vehicles from two operating centres in Wallingford. Among its clients are the University of Oxford and local private schools.
