Blue Bird Corporation acquires Micro Bird

Blue Bird Corporation, a prominent manufacturer in the student transportation sector, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Girardin Group’s stake in their joint venture, Micro Bird. The transaction, valued at approximately $200 million, will consolidate the operations under Blue Bird's full ownership. This move aims to streamline operations under one brand and is positioned as a significant step in enhancing Blue Bird's market presence in North America.

The financial arrangement for the acquisition involves Blue Bird paying 30% of the purchase price in cash, with the remaining 70% settled in Blue Bird common stock. The deal is slated for completion in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval and customary conditions. Micro Bird, founded as a joint venture in 2009, specializes in manufacturing Type A school and commercial shuttle buses and has operations in Quebec and New York.

Strategically, the acquisition will permit Blue Bird to unify its portfolio, which spans diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered buses. By gaining full control over Micro Bird, Blue Bird expects to broaden its product offerings and enhance customer value through expanded powertrain options. The move also strengthens Blue Bird's position in the growing market for Buy America Act-compliant shuttle buses, a segment Micro Bird recently entered.

The acquisition of Micro Bird is set against a backdrop of increasing demand for environmentally friendly and compliant transportation solutions in North America. Blue Bird, with its comprehensive range of fuel options, is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on evolving market dynamics. The consolidation under a single operational framework is intended to drive efficiency and increase its addressable market, particularly in the shuttle bus segment.

Post-acquisition, Blue Bird plans to incorporate new leadership into its governance structure, with Steve Girardin, currently Chairman of Micro Bird, joining Blue Bird's Board of Directors. This appointment is anticipated to benefit the corporation with seasoned insights into the North American bus market. As Blue Bird proceeds towards finalizing the acquisition, ongoing attention will be focused on securing necessary regulatory clearances and integrating operations to execute the strategic objectives outlined.