FirstGroup Announces Asset Sale and Franchise Contract Awards in West Yorkshire

FirstGroup agreed to sell five freehold depots and 330 buses to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for £109 million; the depot sales are complete, while the buses will transfer as franchise tranches begin in May 2027, January 2028 and October 2028. The company expects an approximately £30 million post-tax disposal gain and about £55 million in cash inflow in FY2027, with further positive impacts in later years. FirstGroup also won two franchise contracts expected to generate around £40 million in combined annual revenue from May 2027.