FirstGroup has purchased Hills Coaches of Wolverhampton in a further expansion of the First Bus presence in the coach market.
The deal brings 22 coaches of various sizes and capacities and 40 staff members along with a depot in the city. They deliver services including private hire, day trips, and contract work. All employees will remain with the business and work will continue unchanged.
Completion of the purchase once more gives First Bus a presence in the West Midlands Combined Authority area, where bus franchising is to commence rollout in 2027.
First Bus Managing Director, Business and Coach, Andrew Jarvis says: “This acquisition underlines our commitment to growing our coach division is a considered and sustainable way while expanding our operational footprint and strengthening our position in key regional markets, and I am delighted that this is our first acquisition in the West Midlands.
“Hills Coaches is a respected operator with a strong team and an established reputation. It is a strong strategic fit, bringing local expertise, loyal customers and high operational standards that complement our existing coach operations.
“We are pleased to add Hills Coaches into the First Bus coach portfolio, and I look forward to working with the team.” Mr Jarvis adds that the group continues to consider further opportunities “that complement our existing portfolio and support our long-term growth.”
Hills Coaches Director Darran Hill underlines how the Wolverhampton business has a strong reputation, and that protecting its legacy was central to the decision to sell to the group.
“Becoming part of First Bus allows us to retain what makes Hills special while benefiting from the scale, investment and long-term stability of a larger organisation.”
