The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has announced that it will source “expert advice… as it considers how it might take part in the sale of First West Yorkshire.”
FirstGroup has not stated that its West Yorkshire arm is on the market as a standalone business. However, WYCA says it must “consider all the opportunities presented by the sale.”
WYCA adds that “the government’s renewed interest in the role of bus services may also present further opportunities to ensure our communities are better served.”
Responding to the announcement, a First Bus spokesperson says: “In May we announced that we will pursue strategic options to separate First Bus from FirstGroup. This could be via a sale – either as a whole or in part – or by other means, such as a demerger or partnership.
“Our bus companies are attractive businesses and we’re seeing interest from a wide range of parties. Although we do not comment on market rumours or speculation, it would be incorrect at this stage to say any one outcome is more likely than another.”
