FirstGroup has rejected a proposed take-over offer by Apollo Global Management. The proposal was analysed by the operator and it was unanimously rejected, judging it to fundamentally undervalue the company. It was described as opportunistic by nature. General Secretary of transport trade union, RMT, Mick Cash, said: “This looks like yet another bunch of speculators […]

Lucketts Group has acquired north Hampshire-based Mortons Travel. This is the company’s second acquisition in four months, having previously added Solent Coaches to its growing portfolio. This latest move brings Lucketts’ total number of vehicles to around 175 and widens its reach in the north of the county and beyond into Berkshire. As part of […]

Brighton-based The Big Lemon has achieved its target of gathering £405,000 funding for three Optare single-deckers ahead of deadline. Last month, the operator launched a bond offer to raise money for the vehicles (announced in B&CB 1471, 16 March 2018). The bonds were offered on a three-year term at 4%, and a five-year term at […]

When Philip Hitchen, Director of Belle Vue Manchester, walks into his office, it is clear he has plenty of enthusiasm for his work. The company is considered one of North West England’s top operators. Belle Vue started in 1993, originally as a taxi firm, explained Philip. It became a limited company in 1996. Originally, it […]

The Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, has committed to buy only zero-emission buses from 2025 and ensure that a major area of the city is zero emission by 2030. The policies are designed to fight air pollution, improve the quality of life for all citizens, and help take more climate action. The commitment builds on […]

CPT has published a short online survey on the five proposed Clean Air Zones and London’s ULEZ. The survey is designed to help the industry during its ongoing discussions with key decision makers regarding the clean air plans. The questionnaire will also provide CPT supplier members with information that should help them better understand the […]

Astons Coaches, the Worcester bus and coach operator, has taken over M&S Coaches of Hereford. M&S was started 25 years ago by Maurice and Sue Peruffo, who have decided to retire. All of the staff will remain within M&S and become part of the Astons Group. Maurice and Sue approached Astons in September 2017 about […]