(17 Feb 2021, 9:43 pm)RobinHood wrote Conversely, a business with a fleet that needs huge investment wouldn't hold a big sale price either, given the buyer would know about this. It makes no sense to run a business down if you wish to sell it.

Let's be clear though, Go North East wouldn't be allowed by the CMA to buy Arriva as it stands and would be forced to sell parts of it where they consider a serious reduction in competition. County Durham for example.

If Arriva was up for sale again, likely a whole new operator (First, Transdev etc).

I doubt FirstBus would venture into the North East. Transdev to Whitby & Redcar wouldn't be a surprise though.

The rest of it would most likely see Stagecoach taking all of Durham & Tees with the exception of Stockton going to GNE. X12 would no doubt fully go to Stagecoach.

Northumbria would most likely see GNE take Ashington & Jesmond with Blyth going to Stagecoach.  Stagecoach would most likely take the 306 (don't think GNE would want it) as well as fully take the 685.