Challenge

Vail Williams was appointed by longstanding client FirstGroup plc, to advise on the disposal of two former bus depots in South Wales which had become surplus to requirement.

In Llanelli, a 1.34-acre former depot comprised of 18, 710 sq ft of workshop, offices, stores and washing/fuelling facilities, was marketed for sale. Meanwhile in Maesteg, two industrial units on the Heol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate were marketed on a long leasehold basis with 93 years remaining on a 125-year lease.

How we helped
  • Industrial agents proactively marketed the freehold and leasehold opportunities for sale.
  • We researched the local market and approached two local businesses known to be expanding.
  • Experienced agents negotiated the deal terms for each disposal, working closely with each party to the deal, as well as their legal advisers.
  • Secured the successful sale of both assets in line with our client’s expectations, whilst supporting local businesses seeking to expand.

“Our ongoing commitment to the people of South and West Wales means we constantly review our bus operations to ensure we provide the best possible service. Vail Williams helped us to deliver this through the rationalisation of some of our portfolio there, deploying their usual level of exceptional professionalism, skill and dedication when working on our behalf.”

 

Nick Truscott, Head of Real Estate, First Bus.

Result
  • Expert knowledge of the local market, combined with the expertise of an experienced negotiator, came together to deliver a successful outcome for our client.
  • FirstGroup was able to withdraw the depots from their estate without affecting the logistics of planning bus routes and delivering quality public transport for their communities.
  • The rationalisation of the Llanelli and Maesteg portfolio also enabled FirstGroup to indirectly support local employment through the expansion of the acquiring parties’ businesses.

Get in touch

If you think you may need similar support to that described here, or you would simply want to have an informal chat with a member of our team to discuss your property needs, get in touch.