FirstGroup expands UK coach portfolio with acquisition of Bristol’s Eagle Coaches
FirstGroup has acquired Eagle Coaches, a long-established family coach operator based in Bristol, further strengthening its position in the UK coach market and expanding the breadth of its customer proposition.
The business forms part of FirstGroup’s 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.
Founded in 1926, Eagle Coaches operates a fleet of 19 vehicles and employs 28 people from its depot on Netham Road in St George, Bristol. The business provides private hire, school transport and group travel services for customers across Bristol and the wider South-West.
All employees will continue to work for the business under First Bus ownership, and all existing services, contracts and bookings will continue unchanged.
FirstGroup has been steadily building its coach portfolio through a number of targeted acquisitions across the UK in recent years, including Anderson Travel, Hills Coaches, J&B Travel, Lakeside Group, Matthews Coaches, Tetley’s Coaches and York Pullman.
Josh Ball, Director at Eagle Coaches, said: “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 reassurance for our customers, colleagues and partners that the business has a strong future and opportunities to continue growing across the region.”
Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for First Bus Business and Coach, said: “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’re 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.”