Editing FirstGroup (section)

==History==
===Origins and early acquisitions===
{{Multiple image|
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| image1            = Badgerline bus 5531 (EWS 739W), 2011 Bristol Vintage Bus Group open day.jpg
| alt1              = Yellow and green double-decker bus
| image2            = Preserved E131DRS Lathalmond - Flickr - megabus13601.jpg
| alt2              = Light cream and two-tone gren double-decker bus
| footer            = Preserved [[Badgerline]] and [[Grampian Regional Transport]] buses; these companies merged to form FirstBus in April 1995}}
FirstGroup originated within the [[Bus deregulation in Great Britain|deregulation of bus services]] in the United Kingdom in 1986, whereby private companies purchased nationalised and municipal bus operators.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/RP99-59/RP99-59.pdf |title = RESEARCH PAPER 99/59 |website = parliament.uk/ |date = 8 June 1999 |access-date = 25 March 2015}}</ref> During September 1986, the [[Somerset]] based services of the [[Bristol Omnibus Company]] that were rebranded in 1985 as [[Badgerline]] were purchased in a [[management buyout]]. As Badgerline Group, it expanded through acquisition purchasing other formerly nationalised bus companies in England and Wales.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.passengertransport.co.uk/2015/08/the-badger-is-back-on-the-buses/ |title = The badger is back in the West of England |date = 12 August 2015 |publisher = Passenger Transport |access-date = 3 April 2016 |archive-date = 19 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160419114656/http://www.passengertransport.co.uk/2015/08/the-badger-is-back-on-the-buses/ |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In January 1989, [[First Aberdeen|Grampian Regional Transport]], the bus operator in [[Aberdeen]] owned by [[Grampian|Grampian Regional Council]], was privatised in a management buyout led by its then general manager, [[Moir Lockhead]].<ref name="MoirLockhead11April2006">{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaypeople.com/rail-news-articles/andy-milne-talks-to-moir-lockhead-chief-executive-of-first-group-1030.html |title = Interview with Moir Lockhead |publisher = railwaypeople.com |date = 11 April 2006}}</ref> As [[GRT Group|GRT Bus Group]], it expanded through acquisition purchasing six former nationalised bus companies in England and Scotland.<ref name=BM648>{{cite news |title = Men in lemon celebrate First's 20 years|newspaper = [[Buses (magazine)|Buses]] |issue = 648 |date = March 2009 |publisher = [[Ian Allan Publishing]]}}</ref> During April 1995, FirstBus was formed through the merger of the Badgerline and GRT Bus Groups, with fleets in England, Wales and Scotland. The former [[King Street Barracks]] site in [[Aberdeen]] was selected as the headquarters.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/badgerline-links-with-grt-1614291.html |title = Badgerline links with GRT |work = [[The Independent]] |date = 5 April 1995}}</ref> At the time of the merger, FirstBus had 5,600 buses, 4,000 of which came from Badgerline.<ref name=BM648/><!----INADEQUATE REFERENCE: needs page no. of article-----> Badgerline's Trevor Smallwood became chairman of FirstBus, while GRT head Moir Lockhead became deputy chairman and chief executive.<ref name=BM648/>

Throughout the late 1990s, FirstBus continued its policy of growth by acquisition. To this end, it acquired several [[List of former municipal bus companies of the United Kingdom|former council owned operations]] and companies formerly owned by [[National Bus Company (UK)|English, Welsh]] and [[Scottish Bus Group|Scottish]] nationalised operators. FirstBus went on to acquire larger urban metropolitan operators by taking advantage of the [[History of the PTE bus operations#Privatisation|privatisation of the PTE bus operations]] and the [[privatisation of London bus services]]. FirstBus acquired [[GM Buses|GM Buses North]] in Manchester and [[Strathclyde Partnership for Transport|Strathclyde Buses]] in Glasgow in 1996, [[First South Yorkshire|Mainline]] in [[South Yorkshire]] and [[First London|CentreWest]] in London in 1997, and [[Capital Citybus]] in London in 1998.<ref name=BM648/>

===FirstGroup and expansion===
[[File:Plymouth railway station (28976925648).jpg|thumb|A line-up of [[First Great Western]] trains at [[Plymouth railway station|Plymouth]] in 2018]]
During December 1997, the company was renamed ''FirstGroup.''<ref name=SC157176/> This change was due to the company's entry in February 1996 into Britain's [[privatisation of British Rail|recently privatised railways]], having a 24.5% shareholding in [[Great Western Holdings]] that won the [[Greater Western franchise|Great Western]] and [[First North Western|North Western]] franchises, and a 100% shareholding in [[First Great Eastern]] that ran the Great Eastern franchise from January 1997. In March 1998, FirstGroup purchased the 75.5% shares in Great Western Holdings that it did not already own and rebranded the franchises [[First Great Western]] and [[First North Western]].<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/1998/75millionofadditionalpasseng1212 |title = £75m of additional passenger benefits agreed with FirstGroup |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 6 March 1998 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206063132/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/1998/75millionofadditionalpasseng1212 |archive-date = 6 February 2007 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/1998/conditionsmetforfirstgroupta1262 |title= Conditions met for FirstGroup takeover of Great Western |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 30 March 1998 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206063115/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/1998/conditionsmetforfirstgroupta1262 |archive-date = 6 February 2007 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.firstgroup.com/assets/pdfs/investors/annual_reports/1999_annual_report.pdf |title = FirstGroup Annual Report 31 March 1999 |publisher = FirstGroup }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In September 1998, FirstGroup made its first overseas foray when [[New World First Bus]] commenced operating bus services in Hong Kong formerly operated by [[China Motor Bus]]; the company held a 26% shareholding in the joint venture.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/uk-bus-operator-wins-pounds-55m-franchise-1153789.html UK bus operator wins £55m franchise] ''The Independent'' 1 April 1998</ref> During May 2000, FirstGroup sold its shares to joint venture partner [[New World Development]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nws.com.hk/html/eng/about/milestones.aspx?hidden_params01=MHgMw6YMDDDVurs5kj5QvIObTrowNI6xoxUYvHvUQqs9Y9UFju3udQ6Gk6awBU2TKx7U8JF2asqvh9V6idzADg%3D%3D&hidden_params02=MHgMw6YMDDDVurs5kj5QvAdscwlD4S5Aei4keMyMuBTG6%2F6gJz9mt1%2FE51PrS8Ud&params01=MHgMw6YMDDDVurs5kj5QvIObTrowNI6xoxUYvHvUQqs9Y9UFju3udQ6Gk6awBU2TKx7U8JF2asqvh9V6idzADg%3D%3D&params02=MHgMw6YMDDDVurs5kj5QvAdscwlD4S5Aei4keMyMuBTG6%2F6gJz9mt1%2FE51PrS8Ud |title = Milestones 2000 |publisher = NWS Holdings Limited}}</ref> In September 1999, FirstGroup purchased [[Ryder System|Ryder]] Public Transport Services, a provider of school bus and contracted public bus transportation in the United States.<ref name="FirstGroup to Buy Ryder Unit"/> In May 2000, FirstGroup began operating the [[Tramlink|London Tramlink]] concession under contract to [[Transport for London]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_6_40/ai_63674952 |title = Croydon Tramlink Light Rail Network |date = June 2000 |work = International Railway Journal |location = London}}</ref>

[[File:312718 and 312721 at Kirby Cross.JPG|thumb|[[First Great Eastern]] [[British Rail Class 312|Class 312]] at [[Kirby Cross railway station|Kirby Cross]] in March 2004]]
During August 2003, FirstGroup purchased [[GB Railways]], which owned [[Anglia Railways]] and [[GB Railfreight]] and held 80% of the shares in [[Hull Trains]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.firstgroup.com/latest_news/?id=003551 |title = GB Rail Offer Unconditional |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 14 August 2003 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20131004215148/http://www.firstgroup.com/latest_news/?id=003551 |archive-date = 4 October 2013 }}</ref> Having not been shortlisted for the [[East Anglia franchise|Greater Anglia franchise]], this outcome gave FirstGroup another chance to bid. However, it too was unsuccessful and the franchise was awarded to the rival transport company [[National Express]] from April 2004, including the services operated by First Great Eastern.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2003a1/2003b/uncedpreferedbidderforne1217.pdf |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090825141633/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2003a1/2003b/uncedpreferedbidderforne1217.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = 25 August 2009 |title = National Express Group Announced as Preferred Bidder for new Greater Anglia Franchise}}</ref> In November 2003, FirstGroup purchased a 90% shareholding in Irish coach operator [[Aircoach]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.aircoach.ie/news.article.php?ID=8 |title = Aircoach Announces 15m Euro Deal |publisher = aircoach.ie |date = 7 November 2003 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071118200825/http://aircoach.ie/news.article.php?ID=8 |archive-date = 18 November 2007 }}</ref>

In February 2004, FirstGroup's joint venture with [[Keolis]] commenced operating the [[First TransPennine Express]] rail franchise, FirstGroup having a 55% shareholding in the venture.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://http%3a/www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2003a1/2003b/nnouncepreferredbidderfo1524.pdf |title = SRA Announce Preferred Bidder for TransPennine Express Franchise |publisher = [[Strategic Rail Authority]] |date = 28 July 2003 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131215041124/http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090826025317/http%3A/www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2003a1/2003b/nnouncepreferredbidderfo1524.pdf |archive-date = 15 December 2013 |access-date = 13 April 2024 |url-status = bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.keolis.com/en/business-activities/keolis-by-country/united-kingdom/impression.html?no_cache=1 |title = Keolis in the UK |publisher = Keolis SA |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140107221528/http://www.keolis.com/en/business-activities/keolis-by-country/united-kingdom/impression.html?no_cache=1 |archive-date = 7 January 2014 }}</ref> During April 2004, FirstGroup commenced operating the [[First Great Western Link]] franchise,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/20031104_preferred_bidder_announced_for_thames_franchise.tt2 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20031202235927/http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/20031104_preferred_bidder_announced_for_thames_franchise.tt2 |title = Preferred Bidder Announced for New Thames Trains Franchise |publisher = Strategic Rail Authority |date = 4 November 2003|archive-date=2 December 2003}}</ref> it also commenced the [[First ScotRail]] franchise in October 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2887785/FirstGroup-clinches-Scottish-rail-franchise.html |title = FirstGroup clinches Scottish rail franchise |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date = 12 June 2004}}</ref> In December 2004, the remainder of [[First North Western]] passed to [[Northern Rail]], some services having already been transferred to [[Arriva Trains Wales]] and FirstTranspennine Express.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.serco.com/Images/010704NorthernRailFranchisePressRelease_tcm3-2158.pdf |title = Serco joint venture selected as preferred bidder for Northern Rail train operating franchise |publisher = Serco Group |date = 1 July 2004 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101127223255/http://serco.com/Images/010704NorthernRailFranchisePressRelease_tcm3-2158.pdf |archive-date = 27 November 2010 }}</ref>

During April 2006, FirstGroup commenced operating the [[First Capital Connect]] franchise<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=181549&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070310142714/http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=181549&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False |title = Department for Transport Announces Winner of Thameslink/GN Franchise |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 13 December 2005|archive-date=10 March 2007}}</ref> and a renewed [[First Great Western]] franchise that had been expanded to include the [[First Great Western Link|Thames Trains]] and [[Wessex Trains]] franchises.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/greater-western-franchise/ |title = Greater Western Franchise |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 2 February 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120204190029/http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/greater-western-franchise/ |archive-date = 4 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tssa.org.uk/article-157.php3?id_article=2782 |title = Wessex Train Company News |publisher = Tessa |access-date = 15 July 2008 |archive-date = 11 October 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011112142/http://www.tssa.org.uk/article-157.php3?id_article=2782 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[File:Greyhound Lines 86025a.JPG|thumb|[[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]] [[Prevost Car|Prevost]] coach at [[Toronto Coach Terminal]] in April 2009]]
In February 2007, FirstGroup agreed to buy the US-based firm [[Laidlaw]], an operator of inter-city coaches and [[yellow school bus]]es across North America, in exchange for £1.9&nbsp;billion (US$3.7&nbsp;billion). This also gave it a controlling stake in [[Greyhound Lines]], the largest bus operator in North America. The Greyhound name and the names of Canadian subsidiaries of [[Greyhound Canada]] were retained, and all other Laidlaw-owned services in the United States and Canada were rebranded under the First or Greyhound names, except for [[Voyageur Colonial Bus Lines|Voyageur Colonial]] and [[Grey Goose Bus Lines|Grey Goose]] in Canada.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6345627.stm |title = FirstGroup buys Greyhound buses |work = BBC News |date = 9 February 2007}}</ref>

In January 2009, [[DSBFirst]], FirstGroup's joint venture with [[DSB (railway company)|Danish State Railways]] commenced operating the [[Oresundtrain]] rail franchise from [[Helsingør]] and [[Nivå]] in Denmark along the [[Coast Line (Denmark)|Kystbanen]] line and over the [[Øresund Bridge]] to [[Malmö Central Station|Malmö]], [[Växjö]], [[Kalmar]], [[Karlskrona]] and [[Gothenburg Central Station|Gothenburg]] in Sweden. FirstGroup had a 25% shareholding in the Danish business and 20% in the Swedish business.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=000481 |title = FirstGroup starts operations in Scandinavia |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 12 January 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090317214506/http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=000481 |archive-date = 17 March 2009 }}</ref> By March 2011, this shareholding had increased to 30%.<ref name=AnnualReport2011>{{cite web |url = http://www.firstgroupplc.com/~/media/Files/F/Firstgroup-Plc/reports-and-presentations/reports/new/2011_annual_report.pdf |title = FirstGroup Annual Report and Accounts 2011 |website = FirstGroup |page = 92}}</ref>

During June 2009, FirstGroup made a takeover offer for fellow transport operator [[National Express]], which was struggling with debt at the time and was struggling to hold onto its [[National Express East Coast]] rail franchise.<ref name="BBC8128430">{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8128430.stm |title = Q&A: National Express and East Coast line |date = 1 July 2009 |access-date = 1 July 2009 |work = BBC News |publisher = BBC |archive-date = 30 November 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201130005414/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8128430.stm |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Milmo |first = Dan |date = 1 July 2009 |title = £30bn shortfall threatens rail and road plans |work = The Guardian |location = London |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/jul/01/transport-east-coast-mainline-nationalised |access-date = 1 July 2009}}</ref> This offer was rejected; a National Express spokesperson stated that it did not "consider it appropriate" at the time to discuss a takeover. FirstGroup believed that there was "significant industrial and commercial logic" for a merger, but National Express wished to focus on its own initiatives.<ref name="NatExDeclinesBid">{{cite news |title = National Express turns down bid |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8123717.stm |work = BBC News |date = 29 June 2009 |access-date = 29 June 2009}}</ref>

===2010s===
In June 2010, FirstGroup sold its railfreight business [[GB Railfreight|First GBRf]] to the [[Getlink|Eurotunnel Group]] in exchange for £31&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fgrof_firstgroup-plc-disposal-956775.html |title = FirstGroup plc: Disposal of rail freight business |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 1 June 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120914073220/http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fgrof_firstgroup-plc-disposal-956775.html |archive-date = 14 September 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6500Y220100601 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715010651/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6500Y220100601 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 15 July 2012 |title = Eurotunnel buys GBRf from FirstGroup |date = 1 June 2010 |work = Reuters |first = Michael |last = Rose}}</ref> ending the group's involvement in rail freight transport.<ref name="gbrf">{{cite news |url = http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2010/06/01-first-gbrf-bought-by-eurotunnel.html |title = First GBRf bought by Eurotunnel |date = 1 June 2010 |work = [[Railnews]] |location = Stevenage}}</ref> In September 2010, former [[London Underground]] managing director [[Tim O'Toole (businessman)|Tim O'Toole]], already a board member since May 2009 and chief operating officer and Deputy Chief Executive since June 2010, was announced as the successor to retiring group chief executive officer Moir Lockhead with effect from 31 March 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title = O'Toole takes over from Lockhead at FirstGroup |first = Tony |last = Miles |work = [[Modern Railways]] |location = London |date = November 2010 |page = 7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Tim O'Toole confirmed as new FirstGroup chief executive |first = Dan |last = Milmo |work = The Guardian |date = 22 September 2010 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/sep/22/tim-o-toole-first-grup-chief-executive}}</ref>

During September 2011, FirstGroup's German bus operations were sold to Marwyn European Transport.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15121954 |title = FirstGroup sells German bus unit |publisher = BBC News |date = 30 September 2011}}</ref> In December 2011, [[DSBFirst]] ceased operating the Swedish part of the operation after difficulties encountered by Danish State Railways over [[Cross subsidization|cross subsidies]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/dsb-ceo-dismissed-over-accounting-irregularities.html |title = DSB CEO dismissed over accounting irregularities |publisher = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = 1 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.thelocal.se/34608/20110628/ |title = Veolia takes over Öresund train services |publisher = thelocal.se |date = 28 June 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111010084407/http://www.thelocal.se/34608/20110628/ |archive-date = 10 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/policy-legislation/single-view/view/veolia-takes-over-from-troubled-dsbfirst.html |title = Veolia takes over from troubled DSBFirst |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 28 June 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022080306/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/policy-legislation/single-view/view/veolia-takes-over-from-troubled-dsbfirst.html |archive-date = 22 October 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:Bishops Lydeard Station Road - First 60918 (YG02DLJ).JPG|thumb|First bus in 'Olympia' livery in [[Bishops Lydeard]] in 2014]]
In July 2012, [[First Travel Solutions]] provided bus and coach services for the [[2012 Summer Olympics|London 2012 Olympic Games]] as First Games Transport. This involved the provision of venue shuttle and park and ride services, services connecting the peripheral park and ride sites on the [[M25 motorway|M25]] with the [[Olympic Park, London|Olympic Park]] and [[Ebbsfleet Valley|Ebbsfleet]], and a nationwide network of express coaches to the Olympic Park and the [[Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy|Weymouth and Portland sailing venue]]. These services required around 900 vehicles in total, although some were sub-contracted.<ref>{{cite press release |title = Statement re Bus and Coach contract at London 2012 Games |url = http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=005071 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20110629105637/http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=005071 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 29 June 2011 |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 15 February 2010 |access-date = 16 April 2010 }}</ref> During June 2013, most of the [[First London]] bus operations were sold to [[Go-Ahead London]], [[Metroline]] and [[Tower Transit]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=009241 |title = FirstGroup Announces Sale of Eight London Bus Depots |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 9 April 2013 |access-date = 21 June 2013 |archive-date = 5 November 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131105122627/http://www.firstgroup.com/corporate/latest_news/?id=009241 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In April 2015, FirstGroup was unsuccessful in bidding for the [[ScotRail (brand)|ScotRail franchise]], which was run by [[Abellio ScotRail]] until the end of that franchise in March 2022. During December 2015, FirstGroup was awarded the next [[TransPennine Express (2016–2023)|TransPennine Express]] franchise.<ref name=rgi20151209>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/northern-and-transpennine-express-franchises-awarded.html |title = Northern and TransPennine Express franchises awarded |magazine = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = 9 December 2015}}</ref> The new franchise commenced on 1 April 2016 with a commitment to introduce new trains, routes and faster journey times.<ref name=rgi20151209 /><ref name="railmag 2019">{{cite web |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/tpe-s-new-trains |title = TPE's new trains |publisher = railmagazine.com |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 26 August 2019 |access-date = 21 October 2020 |archive-date = 23 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201023133434/https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/tpe-s-new-trains |url-status = live }}</ref>

During October 2016, First Transit commenced operating the [[A-train (Denton County Transportation Authority)|A-train]] under contract to the [[Denton County Transportation Authority]], its first rail operation in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/first_group/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=858&newsid=763817 |title = FirstGroup signs first US rail commuter contract |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 20 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/firstgroup-awarded-its-first-us-rail-contract.html |title = FirstGroup awarded its first US rail contact |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 21 July 2016}}</ref> In August 2017, FirstGroup's joint venture with [[MTR Corporation]] commenced operating the [[South Western franchise]], the company holding a 70% shareholding in the [[South Western Railway (2017-2025)|South Western Railway]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/13171647.html |title = FirstGroup and MTR welcome South Western rail franchise award |publisher = London Stock Exchange |date = 27 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180626083149/http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/13171647.html |archive-date = 26 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Gerrard |first1 = Bradley |title = Rail fares set to be capped between London and Exeter |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/08/18/rail-fares-set-capped-london-exeter/ |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/08/18/rail-fares-set-capped-london-exeter/ |archive-date = 12 January 2022 |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |access-date = 29 August 2017 |work = The Telegraph |date = 18 August 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In May 2019, FirstGroup announced its intention to sell its UK bus operations and that its US activities were to receive greater attention in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/30/firstgroup-to-sell-greyhound-as-it-bows-to-activist-investors |title = FirstGroup confirms sale of UK bus division to focus on US business |work = The Guardian |date = 30 May 2019}}</ref> However, the only sales completed were parts of [[First Greater Manchester]] to the [[Go-Ahead Group]] and [[Rotala]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.go-ahead.com/en/media/news/2019/go-ahead-agrees-terms-with-firstgroup-to-purchase-manchester-bus.html |title = Go-Ahead agrees terms with FirstGroup to purchase Manchester bus depot |publisher = Go-Ahead Group |date = 19 February 2019 |access-date = 26 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/dbnw-expanding/ |title = DBNW Expanding &#124; Diamond Bus |website = www.diamondbuses.com |access-date = 9 September 2020}}</ref>

===2020s===
[[File:First 36531 BK73 AEV.jpg|thumb|[[First Bus East of England|First Eastern Counties]] [[Wright StreetDeck Electroliner]] in [[Norwich]] in October 2023]]
In May 2020, FirstGroup announced it has effectively reversed its previous strategy, opting to retain its UK bus operations and instead sell its assets in North America.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = FirstGroup issues Winter 2020 trading statement as sell-off of US operations announced |magazine = [[Coach & Bus Week]] |issue = 1436 |date = 17 March 2020 |page = 11}}</ref> In April 2021, FirstGroup agreed terms to sell the [[First Student]] and [[First Transit]] businesses to [[EQT AB|EQT]]; the sale completed later in 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210423100404/https://cbwmagazine.com/firstgroup-to-focus-operations-on-the-uk-as-first-student-and-first-transit-sold/ |url = https://cbwmagazine.com/firstgroup-to-focus-operations-on-the-uk-as-first-student-and-first-transit-sold/ |title = FirstGroup to focus operations on the UK as First Student and First Transit sold |magazine = Coach & Bus Week |date = 23 April 2021|archive-date=23 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210423185733/https://www.metro-magazine.com/10141925/firstgroup-enters-agreement-to-sell-first-student-first-transit |url = https://www.metro-magazine.com/10141925/firstgroup-enters-agreement-to-sell-first-student-first-transit |title = FirstGroup Plans to Sell First Student, First Transit for $4.6 Billion |magazine = [[Metro Magazine|Metro]] |date = 23 April 2021|archive-date=23 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Our history |url = https://www.firstgroupplc.com/about-firstgroup/our-history.aspx |access-date = 11 November 2021 |website = www.firstgroupplc.com |language = en}}</ref>

During October 2021, FirstGroup announced the sale of Greyhound Lines to [[Flixbus]], completing its stated divestments to focus on its core UK public transport businesses.<ref name="Sale of Greyhound Lines, Inc">{{cite web |title = Sale of Greyhound Lines, Inc. |url = https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/first_group/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=858&newsid=1519026 |access-date = 23 October 2021 |website = otp.tools.investis.com}}</ref> In October 2021, the [[open-access operator]] [[Lumo (train operating company)|Lumo]] commenced operating services on the [[East Coast Main Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/21885/2016-05-12-ecml-decision-letter.pdf |title = Applications for the East Coast Main Line |publisher = [[Office of Rail & Road]] |date = 12 May 2016}}</ref><ref name = "independent 25oct2021">{{cite web |url = https://inews.co.uk/news/lumo-trains-london-edinburgh-electric-20-high-speed-1264631 |title = Low-cost electric rail operator Lumo launches between London and Edinburgh |work = The Independent |first = Sophie |last = Lam |date = 25 October 2021}}</ref>

In June 2022, FirstGroup's board unanimously rejected a £1.2bn takeover proposal from US private equity firm [[I Squared Capital]]; a spokesperson stated that the offer had undervalued the company.<ref>{{cite news |date = 9 June 2022 |title = FirstGroup rejects £1.2bn takeover approach from US suitor |language = en-GB |work = BBC News |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-61745692 |access-date = 10 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/business/firstgroup-rebuffs-ps1-2bn-takeover-approach-b2097171.html |title = FirstGroup rebuffs £1.2bn takeover approach |work = The Independent |first = Holly |last = Williams |date = 9 June 2022}}</ref> While talks between the two companies continued for a further two months,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://scottishfinancialreview.com/2022/07/21/firstgroup-gets-further-takeover-talk-extension/ |title = FirstGroup Gets Further Takeover Talk Extension |publisher = scottishfinancialreview.com |date = 21 July 2022}}</ref> I Squared ultimately called off its efforts in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/private-equity-firm-i-squared-says-it-does-not-intend-make-offer-firstgroup-2022-08-16/ |title = Private equity firm I Squared says it does not intend to make offer for FirstGroup |publisher = Reuters |date = 16 August 2022}}</ref>

In February 2023, FirstGroup announced that subject to regulatory approval, it would purchase both the bus services and bus dealer operations of [[Purfleet]]-based [[Ensignbus]].<ref>{{cite news |last = Maatouk |first = Michele |url = https://www.sharecast.com/news/news-and-announcements/firstgroup-to-buy-essex-based-bus-group-ensignbus--12248744.html |work = ShareCast |title = FirstGroup to buy Essex-based bus Group Ensignbus |date = 8 February 2023 |access-date = 8 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.route-one.net/news/firstgroup-agrees-to-purchase-ensignbus-business/ |title = FirstGroup agrees to purchase Ensignbus business |work = routeone |date = 8 February 2023 |access-date = 8 February 2023}}</ref>

In January 2024, FirstGroup purchased [[York Pullman]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Agreement to acquire York Pullman Bus Company |url=https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/first_group/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=858&newsid=1783100 |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=otp.tools.investis.com}}</ref> In October 2024, FirstGroup purchased both Lakeside Group and Anderson Travel.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

In September 2024, FirstGroup purchased [[Grand Union (train operating company)|Grand Union's]] [[Euston railway station|London Euston]] to [[Stirling railway station (Scotland)|Stirling]] operating rights.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=First acquires Stirling-London Grand Union open access operation |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/2024/09/24/first-acquires-stirling-london-grand-union-open-access-operation |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Rail|language=en}}</ref> Then in December 2024, it purchased Grand Union's other approved operating rights from [[Paddington railway station|London Paddington]] to [[Carmarthen railway station|Carmarthen]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=First aims for Devon after completing Grand Union deal |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2024/12/05-first-aims-for-devon-after.html |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Railnews}}</ref>

Also in December 2024, FirstGroup announced it has agreed terms to purchase [[RATP Dev Transit London]] from [[RATP Group]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=FirstGroup Plc - Agreement to acquire RATP London|url=https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202412100200PR_NEWS_PRUKDSCL_0016-1 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20241210095013/https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/first-to-re-enter-london-with-ratp-dev-acquisition/ First to re-enter London with RATP Dev acquisition] ''Bus & Coach Buyer'' 10 December 2024</ref>

In January 2025, FirstGroup purchased Matthews Coach Hire.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=chrispeat |date=2025-02-04 |title=FirstGroup acquires Matthews Coach Hire |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/firstgroup-acquires-matthews-coach-hire/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In May 2025, the [[South Western Railway (2017–2025)|South Western Railway train operating company]] was transferred to the Department for Transport owned [[South Western Railway]], following a commitment to renationalising railway services by the Labour Government.<ref name=nationalised25>{{cite news|url=https://www.cityam.com/south-western-railway-c2c-and-greater-anglia-to-be-nationalised-in-2025/ |title=South Western Railway, c2c and Greater Anglia to be nationalised in 2025|newspaper=[[City AM]]|date=4 December 2024|access-date=25 May 2025}}</ref>