Transport company FirstGroup has acquired the sightseeing bus operations of Tootbus in Bath, completing its purchase of RATP Dev’s sightseeing services in both London and Bath.
Operating under the Tootbus brand, the business runs a fleet of 63 buses – 42 in London and 21 in Bath – and employs around 190 staff. The operations include the Airdecker service connecting Bath to Bristol Airport.
The acquisition also includes a large freehold depot in Wandsworth, south-west London, and a leased depot in Keynsham near Bath. This follows FirstGroup’s earlier purchase of RATP Dev’s London bus operations, now branded as First Bus London.
FirstGroup said entering the sightseeing market in London and Bath diversifies its operations, providing operational and cost efficiencies, and creating opportunities for future growth.
Graham Sutherland, chief executive of FirstGroup, commented: “The acquisition of the bus operations in London and Bath, in line with our UK-focused growth and diversification strategy, will allow us to further diversify and expand our footprint in two of our key markets. The integration of the businesses will also create material operational and cost synergies and the opportunity to grow our London route portfolio over time.”
Arnaud Masson, senior vice president of digital and sightseeing at RATP Dev, added: “Tootbus is a leading player in sightseeing in London and Bath, and we are proud of our teams for their achievements in building a strong brand that delivers a unique urban sightseeing experience to thousands of visitors every year. With confidence, we are divesting this company we cherish to FirstGroup, which is well positioned to take it further.”
