The national press has reported that FirstGroup is set to sell some of its operations to its own management as speculation mounts about the future of the firm’s UK bus operations. The Telegraph has reported that management buy-outs are in the running for First’s bus operations in Bristol, Dorset, East Anglia and Devon & Cornwall, whilst parts of its Manchester operations have been sold to Go-Ahead Group and Rotala.
A spokesperson for FirstGroup said: “As we have stated, there are a number of potential outcomes for the separation of First Bus from the group and we are currently pursuing these options. Although we do not comment on market rumours or speculation, it would be incorrect at this stage to say any one outcome is more likely than another.”
