Coach operators taken over as a group are strengthening their presence in Yorkshire

Transport company The Go-Ahead Group has acquired family coach operators Procters Coaches, Compass Royston Travel, Esk Valley Coaches and Fourway Coaches.

With this acquisition, Go-Ahead manages 200 employees, 140 vehicles and five warehouses.

These companies provide coach hire services throughout the UK and Europe. As all of the acquired companies are based in Yorkshire, this acquisition is expected to strengthen Go-Ahead’s presence in the region.

Walsall-based BK Plus advised shareholders on the sale, with Jeni Bramley providing tax services including pre-sale restructuring, David Ross offering accounting and due diligence support and Tom Parry providing corporate finance advice.

DWF acted as legal advisors to shareholders, led by Birmingham corporate partner Mark Gibson, along with co-owner Tom Rank and solicitor Narisa Pankhania.

Jeni Bramley, tax partner, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support shareholders with the sale.

“The transaction was complex and had a tight timeframe, but all parties worked together to make it happen.

“We are excited to see how Go-Ahead will grow the business of coach operators and are glad we could help with the pairing.”

Mark Gibson, partner at DWF Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to have contributed to the successful completion of this transaction.

“Our goal was to ensure that all legal aspects were handled effectively and that the sellers’ interests were well represented throughout the process.”