Ensignbus’ commercial bus operations comprise two segments that include rail replacement and private hire contract operations and a local bus route network complementary to First Bus’s operations in Essex. The business has a young vehicle fleet of 55 buses. The Ensignbus specialist heritage fleet is excluded from the transaction.
In addition, Ensignbus has a vehicle refurbishment and re-sale business that purchases used vehicles and refurbishes them to modern standards before re-selling. This is expected to benefit First Bus and the wider UK bus industry as the oldest, most polluting diesel buses are taken out of service.
Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup chief executive officer, said: “The acquisition of Ensignbus, a long-established, high-performing business, will allow us not only to grow our B2B offering but to also enhance our operational footprint in Essex, and we look forward to welcoming Ensignbus employees to the Group.”
Peter Newman, Ensignbus chairman, said: “We will continue to serve our communities and operate our network as usual until the completion date.”