Diamond Bus North West

[Mayneway]

RE: South Lancs Travel

(04/03/2015 09:58)Dentonian Wrote:  Remember, First and Stagecoach are successors to the "incumbant" GMN/GMS in Greater Manchester, with Arriva only appearing by acquisition (Bee Line, Blue Bus etc). This SLT deal has come out of the blue, but as regards the others:
Finglands: Nothing was broadcast at the time, but my information was that it was Arriva NOT Stagecoach, who were behind the objections to the MMC forcing the inquiry into First's acquisition.
Bluebird: As with Maynes, the Operator wanted to quit the business and approached Stagecoach. ie. These were far from "hostile" take overs.
Jpt: It was literally who was best placed at very short notice to save the services when it became clear Jpt were to cease trading.
I would doubt Rotala would make serious commercial inroads "eastwards" as First have Operational rights to the Leigh Guided Busway, and Reregulation is (supposedly) around the corner.

Let's not forget though that with regards to the Mayne's takeover Transdev were very keen to but out the bus operations and I was told at the time had some brilliant ideas on taking the business further but the face that would have to operate straight away from a new depot proved to costly and they backed out.
It's interesting to know that these larger operators who operate on the fringes of GM are still keen to buy into what often seems like a stagnant market.