Bus company McGill’s has acquired Prentice Westwood as part of its expansion in the coach travel sector.
The seven-figure deal will see the West Lothian-based business, one of Scotland’s longest-established, family-run coach companies, join the McGill’s Group, owned by Scottish businessmen, Sandy and James Easdale.
All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the UK’s largest independent transport operator, although the brand will be retained.
McGill’s has been growing its coach operations over the past five years. It operates FLY services connecting Edinburgh Airport with Dundee and Aberdeen, and it has a private coach hire business.
In 2023, McGill’s launched Loch Lomond Travel, a coach holiday division that has seen rapid growth. The company has been the operator of the FlixBus network across the UK since 2021.
Tony Williamson, CEO of McGill’s, said the acquisition strengthens the company’s offering in central Scotland and brings further expertise into the business.
“During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards – all of which made this an easy decision.”
Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said the move was an exciting next step for the business and its staff.
“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,” he said.
McGill’s Group has depots in Greenock, Inchinnan, Johnstone, Dundee, Larbert, Bannockburn, Balfron, Livingston, Aberdeen and Inverness. In late 2020, it purchased Xplore Dundee from National Express and in September 2022, acquired First Scotland East and Bright Bus Tours.
The company has three in-house driver training academies in Johnstone, Dundee and Falkirk.
source