MCGILL’S, the Greenock-based bus company owned by brothers Sandy and James Easdale, has acquired the routes of two Lanarkshire-based independent bus operators for undisclosed sums.

The firm, which is Scotland’s biggest independent public transport operator, has acquired the routes of Arthur’s Coaches and D.A. Coaches, both based in Coatbridge.

The deal will see McGill’s extend its Lanarkshire commercial network into Coatbridge, Chapelhall, Kirkintilloch and the Salsburgh areas.

“We are delighted to have concluded these deals with Arthur’s Coaches and D.A. Coaches,” said McGill’s chairman James Easdale. “Both companies have operated in the local area for a long time and built up a loyal customer base that we look forward to welcoming on board a McGill’s bus from Monday 4 April.”

The acquisitions are the firm’s third and fourth in less than a month. At the end of January, McGill’s announced it had acquired the routes and vehicles of Coatbridge-based McNairn Coaches alongside coach and minibus hire business JJ Travel for an undisclosed sum.

James Easdale retains a shareholding in Rangers Football Club, where both brothers were directors until last Spring. The Easdales also own window manufacturer Blairs and have commercial property interests.

Jack Irvine, the Easdale family strategic adviser said: “Both Sandy and James found the experience of dealing with The City and the Alternative Investment Market market during the Rangers episode fantastically stimulating and their appetite for deal making has increased dramatically. We can look forward to more exciting acquisitions and not just in Scotland. The brothers are spending a huge amount of time with London-based advisers and are ready to move swiftly when the opportunities arise.”