Bristol legal team working on transport deal

Lawyers from Bristol have taken part in a deal which will see First Group expand its transport empire.

Burges Salmon is advising First Bus, a division of transport group FirstGroup plc, on the acquisition of Essex bus company Ensign Bus Company Limited (Ensignbus).

Via its bus division (First Bus) FirstGroup is the second largest regional bus operator in the UK, serving two-thirds of the UK’s 15 largest conurbations including Bristol.

Ensignbus operates business-to-business and commercial bus operations in Essex, alongside a vehicle refurbishment and re-sale business.

The Burges Salmon team advising on the deal was led by partner Rupert Weston and associate Chris Doherty, from the firm’s Corporate team. They were supported by specialists from around the firm.

Rupert Weston comments: “We are delighted to be advising FirstGroup on this important transaction. FirstGroup is a longstanding client of the firm and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them in securing this significant acquisition.”

Colin Brown, CFO of First Bus comments: “The Burges Salmon team took a truly collaborative and professional approach to the brief. Their significant knowledge and experience in this area has complemented that of our own teams. We’re now looking forward to welcoming Ensignbus – a long established and high performing business – into our portfolio.”