Blue Bird to acquire Girardin's stake in Micro Bird joint venture for $200 million
Blue Bird Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to buy out its partner Girardin Group's 50% stake in the Micro Bird joint venture for approximately $200 million, taking full ownership.
- $200 million
- 30%
- 70%
- 960
What Happened
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD) has signed an agreement to purchase Girardin Group's 50% stake in the Micro Bird joint venture for approximately $200 million, comprising 30% cash and 70% Blue Bird common stock. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026, will give Blue Bird full ownership of Micro Bird, which manufactures Type A school and commercial shuttle buses. Blue Bird says the move will unify its North American operations and allow it to offer the broadest portfolio of Type A, C, and D buses across diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric powertrains.
“With a nearly 100 year history, Blue Bird has emerged as an iconic brand and leader in student transportation. We are delighted to purchase Girardin’s stake in Micro Bird and to take full control of the joint venture. The acquisition strengthens our strategic position and supports Blue Bird’s long-term vision for innovation, operational performance, and sustained profitable growth.”
Blue Bird and Girardin Group establish Micro Bird as a 50/50 joint venture.
Micro Bird enters the North American shuttle bus market with a facility acquisition in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Blue Bird completes acquisition of Girardin's stake in Micro Bird, taking full ownership.
$200 millionUSD
Paid 30% in cash and 70% in Blue Bird common stock.
Why this matters
The acquisition consolidates Blue Bird's position in the North American school and shuttle bus market, expands its Buy America Act-compliant product lineup, and is expected to drive growth and shareholder value.
Terms in This Story
- joint venture
- A business arrangement where two or more parties share ownership, risks, and rewards of a specific enterprise.
- Buy America Act
- U.S. legislation requiring that certain federally funded transportation projects use domestically manufactured products.
- Type A, C, D buses
- Classifications of school buses based on weight and capacity; Type A is the smallest, Type D the largest.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.