Scottish billionaire brothers acquire historic bus company

The Herald Scotland

7 hours ago

Over the last month, I have covered the expansion, the performance and the concerns of the bus firm owned by former Rangers directors Sandy and James Easdale.
The firm that describes itself as the UK's largest independent transport operator moved to take over 'one of Scotland's longest-established, family-run coach companies with more than 70 years of experience'.
McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector.
The deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group companies owned by the brothers.
The brand is retained. (Image: McGill's) Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said the acquisition strengthens the company's offering in central Scotland and brings further expertise into the business.
Mr Williamson said: 'Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland, and we are very pleased to welcome them into the McGill's Group.
'During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards - all of which made this an easy decision.
'We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business.'
​All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the McGill's Group, and it is anticipated the well-known brand will be retained following the completion of the deal.
Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said the move was an exciting next step for the business and its staff.
Mr Prentice said: 'We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise.
'Joining McGill's Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK.
'The values and vision of McGill's align closely with our own, and I'm eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.'
I also exclusively revealed that McGill's has doubled its profits.
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The firm said: 'McGill's Bus Group is Britain's largest independently owned bus company and a pioneer in fleet decarbonisation, with over 110 zero emission electric buses.
'Our wide and diverse portfolio includes local, city, rural and interurban quality bus services across Scotland under the McGill's, Midland Bluebird, Xplore Dundee and BrightBus brands, as well as open-top hop on and hop off tours, airport connections, expansive coach touring and private hire.
'We are also a key strategic partner to global intercity coach brand Flixbus across the UK.'
The new results cover the period from January 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
It said turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m 'due to the full year impact of the business in Stirlingshire and the Lothians acquired through the acquisitions from First Group Plc'.
McGill's also said: 'These businesses have added substantially to group revenue, fleet size and headcount and following a period of integration will contribute to future profitability.
'Operating profit increased from £720,000 to £1.88m.'
I also had an exclusive interview with McGill's chairman Raph Roberts who outlined challenges around a new franchising model for bus services. He said: 'The publication this week of McGill's 2023 accounts told a story of a business that had weathered the Covid pandemic and through tight fiscal controls was in good shape.
"Fast forwarding to 2025 the story is much the same – fiscal control, investment, consistency of service delivery and the Easdale brothers' belief that buses have a critical role to play in our economy.
"That is only part of the story though."
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Also this month, it was a mixed bag for the billionaire drinks family behind William Grand & Sons, who celebrated the completion of the acquisition of the Famous Grouse, the UK's best-selling blended whisky.
However, the firm posted a drop in profits of nearly a third in new annual results. The Lanarkshire-based firm said revenue was down 6.5 per cent.
It posted profit before tax of £388m, down 30 per cent, and turnover of £1.834 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024.
The company said: 'In a year marked by industry-wide challenges, the decline in revenue compared to 2023 is in line with market trends, including the continuation of significant destocking.
'The reduction in profit reflects both these market conditions but also continued investment in the company's brands and infrastructure, demonstrating confidence in the future of the spirits industry.'