Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon advised FirstGroup on its recent back-to-back acquisitions of Andersons Travel and Lakeside Coaches.

FirstGroup is a longstanding client of Burges Salmon, which also acted for the group on its recent acquisitions of Ensignbus and York Pullman. The firm also supported the group on its national bus fleet and infrastructure decarbonisation programme. Earlier this month, it also acted for the energy investment arm of the business, FirstGroup Energy, on its first venture investment.

Anderson and Lakeside acquisition

In a transaction led by director Julie Book, partner Rupert Weston and associate Chris Doherty, Burges Salmon’s Corporate and M&A team advised FirstGroup on its acquisition of Anderson Travel. In parallel, a team led by associates Chris Doherty and Victoria MacAulay and partner Danny Lee also guided the Group through its acquisition of fast-growing Shropshire and Cheshire-based coach operator Lakeside Coaches. Both transactions completed within the space of a week.

Julie Book said: “It’s been fantastic for Burges Salmon to work with FirstGroup for so many years and bear witness to its impressive upward growth trajectory. The acquisition of Anderson Travel, underpinned by a strategy to support the development of its B2B and B2C portfolio, is another example of FirstGroup’s commitment to delivering high returns for its shareholders and excellent service to its customers.”

Chris Doherty said: “It’s been a pleasure working with FirstGroup as it delivers on its ambitious diversification plans and grows its presence in all parts of the UK. With two transactions running in parallel with each other, our ‘One Team’ approach, Transport sector expertise and understanding of how our client likes to work, enabled us to manage both acquisitions seamlessly and complete within the required timescales.”

“On every deal, no matter the size or complexity, the team demonstrates its expertise and ability to react and adapt to new developments and shifting timetables” – Christy Baker, General Counsel at FirstGroup

Christy Baker, General Counsel at FirstGroup, said: “We’re grateful to the whole Burges Salmon team for its work on these two significant acquisitions for FirstGroup. On every deal, no matter the size or complexity, the team demonstrates its expertise and ability to react and adapt to new developments and shifting timetables.”

Burges Salmon’s Transport team works across the entire transport sector including rail, highways, road transport, aviation and marine and ports. The firm covers all aspects of transport law; from corporate ventures, funding and operations to construction, development and dispute resolution.