FirstGroup has further expanded its growing coaching operation with the purchase of Bristol business Eagle Coaches.
The deal brings 19 vehicles and 28 employees, all of whom will continue with the company under its new ownership. Eagle Coaches celebrates its centenary in 2026 and delivers private hire, home-to-school transport and group travel services in Bristol and the wider South West of England.
Acquisition of the firm is part of what FirstGroup says is an ongoing strategy “to grow First Bus’s diversified coach portfolio, and expand its operational footprint and contract portfolio in key markets through targeted investment in well-run businesses with strong reputations and experienced teams.”
Speaking about the decision to sell to the group, Eagle Coaches Director Josh Ball says: “Eagle Coaches has been proudly serving customers in Bristol and the surrounding region for generations, building a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and personal service.
“We must take this opportunity to thank our father Adrian for devoting 54 years to the business, who will now take well-earned retirement.
“Joining First Bus marks an exciting new chapter for our business. It allows us to protect what makes Eagle Coaches special, while benefiting from the scale, investment and expertise of a national operator.
“Most importantly, it provides a reassurance for our customers, colleagues and partners that the business has a strong future and opportunities to continue growing across the region.”
First Bus is already dominant in the Bristol bus market. Its earlier coach operator purchases have included Anderson Travel, J&B Travel, Lakeside Group, Matthews Coaches of Ireland, Tetley’s Coaches, York Pullman, and most recently, Hills Coaches of Wolverhampton in early 2026.
Commenting on the latest deal, Managing Director for First Bus Business and Coach Andrew Jarvis says: “This acquisition supports our ambition to grow a strong, diversified coach portfolio while expanding our operational footprint in key markets.
“Eagle Coaches is a highly regarded family business with deep roots in Bristol, a loyal customer base, and an experienced team delivering high-quality coach services across the region.
“We are delighted to welcome the Eagle Coaches team into the FirstGroup coach portfolio, and look forward to supporting the business as it continues to develop while maintaining the standards and local identity it is known for.”
