The biggest bus operator in Gloucestershire has been waiting for the right deal to come along to expand its services - and when it did it came complete with nine new vehicles.

Gloucester-based Stagecoach West has revealed it is now the owner of Wessex Bus Ltd, which gives it ownership of the Avonmouth-based company's routes south of Gloucestershire.

It is understood Stagecoach will be taking over the contracted routes run by Wessex from September 2.

"We are pleased to confirm that Stagecoach West (Cheltenham & Gloucester Omnibus Company Ltd) has agreed to acquire certain assets of Rotala plc (Wessex Bus Ltd)," said a spokeswoman for Stagecoach.

"The assets acquired include nine vehicles and the transfer to Stagecoach of eight routes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The agreed sale is expected to complete at the beginning of September.

"Around 60 staff are due to transfer to Stagecoach West under TUPE arrangements.

"This acquisition will allow us to further expand our successful bus operations in the west of England where we currently employ around 750 staff and operate around 270 vehicles.

We have a strong track record in the region of attracting more people to bus travel and we will continue to focus on providing good value, high-quality bus travel for people in the area."

It is understood Wessex Bus has a turnover of £10 million and services 4.5 million passenger journey's annually.

The acquisition includes the transfer of the below routes:

3A, 3B, 3C and 3X Aztec West WS Atkins Commercial

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