York Pullman to be sold to First Group

[Busaholic]

First Kernow in Cornwall also run commercial bus services principally in a line from Newquay to Fowey southwestwards.

It runs commercial services in a much larger area than that, particularly to the west of that line, which runs southeastwards between the two places quoted in any case. Were you thinking of Falmouth?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

A response to various posts...

This would look to be a strategic purchase by First for a number of reasons. The current bus services aren't the priority but they probably don't want to provide an enlarged presence to Go Ahead or Transdev so the purchase makes sense. Arguably, it provides a low cost operation should they need it. They also have coaching operations and as has been mentioned, they already do work for First Travel Solutions and it provides a base for expanding that.

I wouldn't expect much to move from the current First York fleet to YP - the front line fleet is particularly modern. If anything, they might be looking at some superannuated fleet from elsewhere in the group to replace the schoolbus fleet but otherwise, there's not much needs sorting.

The history of York Pullman is convoluted but @Snex is correct. However, IIRC Rider York actually purchased the Reynard Buses operations in 1994. Coaching operations then continuing before they then sold to Durham Travel Services under whom the York Pullman reappeared and they went back into buses (think they had Darts in a lurid orange and purple scheme) before they then sold to First in 2000. This iteration has no connection with the earlier business.

 

[YorkRailFan]

First Kernow in Cornwall also run commercial bus services principally in a line from Newquay to Fowey southwestwards.

True, but it's still vastly smaller than Go Ahead's network in Cornwall.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

True, but it's still vastly smaller than Go Ahead's network in Cornwall.

Go Ahead's is predominantly tendered, being half way through an eight year deal though I'm not certain what parallels are in play here.

 

[GusB]

The discussion here is about York Pullman and its acquisition by First.

There may be some comparisons with other First acquisitions over the years, but this is not the place to discuss the Cornwall operations. Please stay on topic.

 

[AWK]

Does anyone know if the sale of Pullman to First includes the "heritage" fleet used on wedding hires etc?

The press releases don't specifically mention the Wedding hires (only private hires) and with the heritage fleet included I get the fleet total to nearer 150 rather than the "over 130" vehicles included in the press releases. The wedding hires business also has a separate website to the main business - https://www.yorkpullmanweddings.co.uk/ - suggesting it could be a separate entity?

Also, does anyone know if the Strensall premises are included in the sale, as my understanding is that address (a Farm) is the owner's house where a few vehicles are kept?

 

[dodecahedron67]

Does anyone know if the sale of Pullman to First includes the "heritage" fleet used on wedding hires etc?

The press releases don't specifically mention the Wedding hires (only private hires) and with the heritage fleet included I get the fleet total to nearer 150 rather than the "over 130" vehicles included in the press releases. The wedding hires business also has a separate website to the main business - https://www.yorkpullmanweddings.co.uk/ - suggesting it could be a separate entity?

Also, does anyone know if the Strensall premises are included in the sale, as my understanding is that address (a Farm) is the owner's house where a few vehicles are kept?

Strensall is remaining with Tom, the current owner of YP

 

[AWK]

Strensall is remaining with Tom, the current owner of YP

Cheers, thought that would be the case. Presume the bus sales business is separate and not passing to First either?

 

[Leyland Bus]

Cheers, thought that would be the case. Presume the bus sales business is separate and not passing to First either?

Most, if in fact all, the heritage vehicles are owned personally by Tom James and loaned to York Pullman so I would imagine those aren't included.

 

[dodecahedron67]

Cheers, thought that would be the case. Presume the bus sales business is separate and not passing to First either?

Believe the bus sales business is passing to First

Tom James is nearing retirement and his son has no intention of running Pullman, so this is a full sale with Tom staying on for roughly 2 years for the transition period.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Shadow minister furthers engagement with coach and bus

Shadow Buses Minister Simon Lightwood continued his interaction with the coach and bus industry via a visit to FlixBus on Monday.

www.route-one.net

Sale of York Pullman to FirstGroup was successfully completed in late February, the purchaser confirmed in a pre-close trading update on 12 March.

It follows conclusion of a regulatory review after announcement in January of the deal, which includes York Pullman’s five coach brands.

FirstGroup has reaffirmed its view that the acquisition will provide “profitable growth opportunities” and highlights that it will also deliver scope “for development into other locations across the UK.” The buyer had previously noted York Pullman’s strong position in B2B services in York and North Yorkshire

Financial details of the sale have not been disclosed. York Pullman was assisted by business advisory specialist Azets throughout the sale process. That supplier notes that it dealt with the marketing of the operator, negotiation, and tax support.

Azets engaged closely with York Pullman Managing Director Tom James (pictured, right), who remains with the business under its new ownership. Azets Yorkshire Corporate Finance Partner Nick Barker (pictured, second from right) says it was “a privilege” to work with Mr James on the sale.

He adds: “Through Tom’s expert guidance, [York Pullman] has grown to hold a dominant position as the leading independent coach and bus operator in the local market.

“It was particularly important that we found a partner that shared that same integrity and values that have made the business such a success, and I am delighted that in FirstGroup, we have found a new owner that is committed to continuing the name and good work of York Pullman.”

Also advising was regional law firm Andrew Jackson. Mr James has thanked both businesses for their support in completing the deal, noting that it “will enable York Pullman to build and grow on its successes as it looks towards an exciting future with FirstGroup.”

Across all brands involved, the sale has brought more than 130 vehicles into FirstGroup ownership.

That was certainly quicker than I expected with no real hurdles with competition regulators. Does this mean First Day tickets can be purchased on York Pullman services?

 

[AWK]

Shadow minister furthers engagement with coach and bus

Shadow Buses Minister Simon Lightwood continued his interaction with the coach and bus industry via a visit to FlixBus on Monday.

www.route-one.net

That was certainly quicker than I expected with no real hurdles with competition regulators. Does this mean First Day tickets can be purchased on York Pullman services?

Does anyone have a definitive list of the vehicles that have passed to First?

 

[dodecahedron67]

Shadow minister furthers engagement with coach and bus

Shadow Buses Minister Simon Lightwood continued his interaction with the coach and bus industry via a visit to FlixBus on Monday.

www.route-one.net

That was certainly quicker than I expected with no real hurdles with competition regulators. Does this mean First Day tickets can be purchased on York Pullman services?

Not yet.

We're using them tomorrow as extra football buses though, and First tickets are to be sold/accepted on those

 

[Rjd2020]

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They have a Fleetlist with first numbers on