Firstgroup has acquired Tootbus, the global sightseeing subsidiary of RATP Dev, for an undisclosed amount. This corporate acquisition sees Firstgroup, a prominent transport operator, expand its portfolio by integrating Tootbus's established city tour services across multiple European locations.
Tootbus, which rebranded in 2021 from its previous identities including Open Tour in Paris, The Original Tour in London and Windsor, and Navigatours in Bath and Cardiff, specializes in providing hop-on hop-off bus experiences. The company focuses on offering international visitors and locals a unique perspective of cities, emphasizing unforgettable, sustainable, and comprehensive journeys. Tootbus operates a fleet of clean-energy buses and utilizes a highly digitalized platform, including an app that provides real-time bus tracking, audio guides, and self-guided walking tours.
The acquisition is strategically significant for Firstgroup, allowing it to enter and grow within the urban tourism sector. By buying Tootbus, Firstgroup gains a well-recognized brand with a strong digital presence and a commitment to sustainable operations. Expected synergies include leveraging Firstgroup's extensive operational expertise and infrastructure to enhance Tootbus's service delivery and expand its reach. This move is anticipated to create efficiencies and foster innovation by combining Firstgroup's transport capabilities with Tootbus's specialized tourism offering.
Looking ahead, the combined entity is positioned to capitalize on the evolving urban tourism market. The integration of Tootbus's customer-centric, digitally-enhanced, and environmentally conscious approach with Firstgroup's operational scale is expected to drive growth, enhance the visitor experience, and reinforce a commitment to sustainable transport solutions in key tourist destinations.