The sale of long-established family business York Pullman Bus Company to FirstGroup plc has been completed.
MD Tom James will remain with York Pullman and continue to run the business under the same name with support from his existing team and First Bus, which is FirstGroup’s bus division. The deal has been competed with advisory services fromaccountancy firm Azets and regional law firm Andrew Jackson.
Nick Barker, Corporate Finance Partner from Azets Yorkshire acted for York Pullman, with Karen Sadler, Senior Manager in Tax Advisory, providing the tax support.
They worked closely with Mr James as well as a legal team led by Susie Mortonson, Corporate Partner at regional law firm Andrew Jackson.
The deal had been announced in January before being completed following standard regulatory reviews.
Mr Barker said: “It has been a privilege to assist Tom with the sale of York Pullman, which is such a well-known and well-regarded York name. Through his expert guidance it has grown to hold a dominant position as the leading independent bus and coach 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.”
Susie Mortonson added: “It has been a pleasure to support and guide Tom and his team on this significant transaction. York Pullman is a fantastic business and I wish them every success as the business enters a new chapter as part of FirstGroup.”
Tom James said: “I am extremely grateful for the exceptional professional advice and guidance provided by Azets and Andrew Jackson Solicitors throughout the entire process.
“Their support will enable York Pullman to build and grow on its successes as it looks towards an exciting future with FirstGroup.”
York Pullman has more than 130 vehicles and is made up of five well-established brands in regional and business-to-business operations in York and North Yorkshire. These include home-to-school and college contracted services, private hire and local bus routes run on behalf of local councils.
The York Pullman name can be traced back to the 1920s before it was resurrected by Tom James in 2007. Vehicles were painted in the original Pullman livery colours as the company’s brand once again appeared on York’s city streets.
