FirstGroup PLC - Aberdeen, Scotland-based public transport provider - Buys Matthews Coach Hire Ltd, an independent coach and bus operator in Ireland founded in 1995. Matthews Coach has a fleet of over 40 vehicles, including two newly acquired electric coaches. For the 12 months to August 2023, it booked revenue of €8.8 million and earnings before interest and tax of €1.2 million. FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland says: ‘The acquisition of Matthews Coach Hire, an established, profitable business builds on our recent strategic acquisitions in First Bus. It will complement our existing operations and allow us to expand our presence in the non-airport commuter and B2B markets in Ireland and we look forward to taking the business forward.’

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