ALEXANDRIA bus company McColl's has been taken over in a deal worth �3 million, it has been announced today (Monday). McGill's, Scotland's largest privately-owned bus company, today announced that it has agreed a deal to acquire Loch Lomond Bus Services Limited, which trades as McColl's.

Speaking today, Liam McColl, said: "Given the current economic climate, we have decided to focus our efforts on the quality coach hire and school contracts side of our business.

"We believe that the McGill's business model will serve our local passengers well. I would like to thank our regular customers for their loyalty over the years."

The acquisition will complete in early December and involves McGill's purchasing the limited entity, buses and depot of Loch Lomond Bus Services Limited, which trades as McColl's.

All 35 staff members employed by McColl's, which is based in Vale of Leven Industrial Estate, will be offered continued employment with McGill's.

Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill's said: "We are delighted to have concluded this deal with McColl's. The acquisition fits well with our growth targets and expansion plans for McGill's. From December 10th, McGill's will operate all existing McColl's services under the McGill's name.

"The extension of our network to include Alexandria, Balloch, Helensburgh and Clydebank complements our current service provision in West Dunbartonshire. From 10 December, McGill's will offer passengers - old and new - access to an extended network on modern, clean, 100 per cent super-low floor buses.

The McColl's family has operated a quality service in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven for many years, and the company has a well-deserved reputation as one of the local area's best bus companies. We wish Liam every success for the future".