RATP Dev, a subsidiary of RATP Group, announces the sale of RATP Dev’s sightseeing operations in London and Bath to FirstGroup plc. The transaction is effective immediately.
Tootbus UK is part of RATP Dev’s international sightseeing bus business which also operates in Paris and Brussels. In the UK, Tootbus has built a robust reputation for delivering outstanding customer experiences featuring a unique blend of creativity and digitization.
FirstGroup plc is one of the leading private sector operators of public transport in the UK, with a strong presence in bus and rail services. Its First Bus division is a major player in local bus networks across the country, including in London, following its acquisition of RATP Dev’s London bus operations earlier this year. This transaction marks First Bus’s entry into the sightseeing market, where it aims to build on Tootbus UK’s achievements to date.
The acquisition includes RATP Dev’s sightseeing operations in London and Bath, together with their 190 employees. Tootbus UK has been at the forefront of decarbonization, with most of its buses powered by electricity or clean fuels.
To ensure seamless continuity for employees, partners and customers, RATP Dev and First Bus have signed a Transitional Service Agreement (TSA). During this 12-month period, the business will continue to operate under the Tootbus brand supported by the existing UK teams, while transitioning to First Bus leadership.
The divestment reflects RATP Dev’s long-term growth strategy, which prioritises expanding multimodal operations across its 16-country footprint as well as urban rail projects leveraging its successful track record in tram and commuter rail systems and global leadership in manual, semi-automated and fully automated metro operations, maintenance and modernisation.
Arnaud Masson, Senior VP - Digital & Sightseeing BU: “Tootbus has become a leading player in sightseeing in London and Bath and we are really proud of our team’s achievements in building such a strong brand that delivers a unique urban sightseeing experience for thousands of visitors every year. Under First Bus leadership, we’re confident that Tootbus UK will continue to thrive and expand within the sightseeing sector. Our sincere thanks to the Tootbus UK team and our best wishes to them and First Bus for what I’m sure will be the next chapter in this success story.”
Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of the Tootbus UK operations, in line with our UK-focused growth and diversification strategy, will allow us to further diversify and expand our footprint in two of our key markets. The integration of the businesses will also create material operational and cost synergies and the opportunity to grow our London red bus contract base over time.”