Birmingham firm advises Yorkshire coach operators on sale

Walsall-based BK Plus has advised family-owned coach operators Procters Coaches, Compass Royston Travel, Esk Valley Coaches, and Fourway Coaches on the sale to The Go-Ahead Group.

The acquisition brings 200 staff members, 140 vehicles, and five depots under Go-Ahead’s management.

These companies provide coach contract hire services across the UK and Europe. With all the acquired companies based in Yorkshire, this acquisition is expected to strengthen Go-Ahead’s presence in the region.

BK Plus advised the shareholders on the sale, with Jeni Bramley providing tax services including pre-sale restructuring, David Ross offering accountancy and due diligence support, and Tom Parry advising on corporate finance.

DWF acted as legal advisors to the shareholders, led by Birmingham corporate partner Mark Gibson alongside fellow partner Tom Rank and solicitor, Narissa Pankhania.

Jeni Bramley, tax partner at BK Plus, commented: “We are delighted to have been able to support the shareholders with the sale. The transaction was complex and was structured to tight timescales, but all parties worked together to make it happen. We are excited to see how Go-Ahead will grow the Coach Operator business and are delighted to have been able to assist with the pairing.”

Mark Gibson, partner at DWF Solicitors said: “We are pleased to have contributed to the successful completion of this transaction. Our focus was on ensuring that all legal aspects were handled efficiently and that the interests of the sellers were well represented throughout the process.”