Welcome to FirstGroup America
On 9 February 2007 FirstGroup PLC announced that it had signed a conditional agreement for the acquisition of Laidlaw International Inc., the leading operator of school and inter-city bus transportation and a supplier of public transit services in North America.
We have now received approval from shareholders of both First and Laidlaw and from the anti-trust authorities, and we are delighted to have been successful in securing a deal that's going to transform both businesses.
Now that the acquisition is completed we will be working hard to integrate the two businesses to realise our vision of transforming travel by providing transportation services that are safe, innovative, reliable and sustainable.
We believe that our employees are our greatest asset and by bringing Laidlaw and FirstGroup America staff together to create a workforce of over 98,000 we believe that we can realise our vision.
This is an exciting time for us all. Since entering the North American market in 1999, we've grown three strong and highly-respected businesses – First Student, First Transit and First Services.
Our acquisition of Laidlaw signals our strong commitment to develop our business in North America and makes First the leading player in the North America transportation market - it's a tremendous opportunity for the business and our employees.
Laidlaw Education Services will become part of First Student and Laidlaw Transit Services will join First Transit.
Greyhound is a unique business in our portfolio and therefore it will remain as a separate operation and retain its brand name.
Please take the time to visit the rest of this redesigned site which introduces you to the enlarged FirstGroup America business.
Moir Lockhead (Chief Executive)