First Group acquires historic Wilfreda Beehive coach firm

Wilfreda Beehive, an iconic coach firm based in Doncaster with more than 75 years of operational history, has been acquired by First Group in a strategic expansion move. The takeover marks another significant addition to First Group's growing portfolio of coach and bus operations across the United Kingdom.

Founded in 1949, Wilfreda Beehive operates a modern fleet of 45 vehicles and employs 61 dedicated staff members. The company has built a strong reputation for providing comprehensive coach services including private hire, school transport contracts, corporate workplace shuttle services, and an extensive holiday programme featuring tours across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

According to First Group, the acquisition will strengthen its position in the UK coach market and expand its service offerings. A company spokesperson stated: "The business will be operated by First Bus and forms part of the Group's strategy to grow a high-quality, diversified coach portfolio and expand our operational footprint and contract portfolio in key markets through targeted investment in well-run businesses with strong reputations and experienced teams."

Importantly, all current employees will retain their positions under First Bus ownership, and all existing customer services, contracts, and bookings will continue without interruption. This continuity reassures the established customer base that the business will maintain the quality and personal service it has been known for since its establishment.

Phil Haxby, Director of Wilfreda Beehive, expressed optimism about the partnership: "Wilfreda Beehive has been proudly serving customers for more than 75 years, building a strong reputation for quality, reliability and personal services. We now embark on an exciting new chapter by joining First Bus, which allows us to protect what makes Wilfreda Beehive special, while benefiting from the scale, investment and expertise of a national operator." He emphasized that the acquisition provides reassurance for customers, colleagues, and partners regarding long-term stability and growth opportunities, particularly for expanding the holiday programme.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for First Bus Business and Coach, added: "This acquisition supports our ambition to grow a strong, diversified coach portfolio while expanding our operational footprint in key markets. Wilfreda Beehive is a highly respected operator with a loyal customer base, experienced team and a well-established holiday offering that complements our existing coach operations."

This acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy by FirstGroup. Over the past two years, the company has completed multiple coach business acquisitions, including Anderson Travel, Eagle Coaches, Hills Coaches, J&B Travel, Lakeside Group, Matthews Coaches, Tetley's Coaches, and York Pullman. FirstGroup continues to actively seek strategic acquisition opportunities that align with its long-term growth objectives.

First Bus operates as one of the UK's largest bus operators, serving more than 1.5 million passengers daily. Its extensive network of local bus services reaches over 25% of the population of Great Britain and operates in more than half of the UK's top 15 most populated urban areas.