Family-run Black Country coach firm acquired by FirstGroup
Family-run Hills Coaches of Wolverhampton has been acquired by FirstGroup in a move that aims to protect the legacy of the long-running firm.
FirstGroup said the acquisition, which will see Hills Coaches operated by First Bus, further strengthens its position in the UK coach market and signals continued confidence in the sector.
The buyout forms part of the group’s strategy to grow a high-quality, diversified coach portfolio, expanding its operational footprint and contract portfolio in key regional markets through targeted investment in well-run businesses with strong reputations and experienced teams.
Hills Coaches, founded in 1965, operates a fleet of 22 coaches and employs 40 people.
The company operates from a depot in Wolverhampton and provides a range of services including private hire, day excursions and long-term contracts.
All employees will continue to work for the business under First Bus ownership, and all existing services, contracts and bookings will continue unchanged.
Darran Hill, director of Hills Coaches, said: “Hills Coaches has been built as a family-run business with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Protecting that legacy was central to our decision. Becoming part of First Bus allows us to retain what makes Hills special, while benefiting from the scale, investment and long-term stability of a larger organisation.”
Andrew Jarvis, managing director (business and coach) for First Bus, said of the deal: “This acquisition underlines our commitment to growing our coach division in a considered and sustainable way, whilst expanding our operational footprint and strengthening our position in key regional markets and I am delighted that this is our first acquisition in the West Midlands.
“Hills Coaches is a respected operator with a strong team and an established reputation. It is a strong strategic fit, bringing local expertise, loyal customers and high operational standards that complement our existing coach operations. We’re pleased to add Hills Coaches into the First Bus coach portfolio, and I look forward to working with the team.”
Over the past two years, FirstGroup has acquired a number of coach businesses including Anderson Travel, J&B Travel, Lakeside Group, Matthew’s Coaches, Tetley’s Coaches and York Pullman.
Mr Jarvis added: “We continue to consider further opportunities that complement our existing portfolio and support our long-term growth.”
