FirstGroup : First Student expands Canadian operations with CG Pearson Acquisition

01 Aug 2018

CINCINNATI - First Student, North America's leader in student transportation, today announced the acquisition of CG Pearson Bus Lines, an Ontario-based provider of school and charter transportation services.

'We're experiencing tremendous growth in Ontario, where we'll add more than 400 buses to our fleet for the 2018-2019 school year. This is a logical step for us because it builds on our positive growth trajectory,' said First Student President Dennis R. Maple. 'We'll continue to search for opportunities to leverage our resources, insight and expertise to benefit school districts, students and families across North America.'

The deal extends First Student's operations in Ontario, where it currently has almost 40 locations. It's anticipated that more than 200,000 Ontario students will receive safe and reliable transportation from First Student each day in the 2018-2019 school year.

CG Pearson was founded in 1947 and grew to almost 60 routes and 70 buses. Its primary customers were Windsor-Essex School Transportation Services (WESTS) and Chatham-Kent and Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS), both current customers of First Student.

In aggregate, these consortiums provide transportation for six school boards. Each board starts school the first week in September.

'Our family has had the privilege to work in the local Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex regions for three generations. We would like to personally thank the wonderful customers and staff who have become like our family,' said CG Pearson Vice President Ryan Pearson. 'We are excited to know that First Student will help our extended family into the next chapter and wish the best to everyone.'

First Student's commitment to invest heavily in driver training, safety and technology allows it to deliver a ride that's twice as safe as the industry average.

The acquisition is the second in as many years for First Student. Last year, First Student acquired Falcon Transportation, a 94-bus operation in Chicago.

'First Student and CG Pearson have a shared belief that great transportation partnerships are built on the foundation of understanding, commitment, service performance and trust,' said Maple. 'We welcome CG Pearson employees to the First Student team.'