FirstGroup acquired SB Holdings in 1996, but the move was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission after claims that the company would enjoy a virtual monopoly of bus services in the West of Scotland.

Former President of the Board of Trade Margaret Beckett stated she was satisfied that, unlike when that earlier decision was made, real competition now existed in the West of Scotland which made it unnecessary for FirstGroup to sell off any of its subsidiaries.

Since the MMC presented its findings, FirstGroup's main rival, Stagecoach, has entered the fray.