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February 19, 2020

Girardin acquires North Branford bus dealer

PHOTO | Edith Dupuis, Courtesy Girardin  Girardin buses on a lot in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

A Canadian company, Girardin Autobus Inc., on Monday finalized its acquisition of School Lines, a North Branford business that sells and services school and commercial buses. 

The two companies have a long-standing relationship, and aside from Girardin acquiring School Lines’ assets, much will remain the same for customers. 

Dave Lintern, School Lines’ longtime president and owner, will remain with the organization to help ensure a smooth transition for the company’s employees, customers and suppliers, according to an announcement.

School Lines was originally incorporated in 1966, and it is located at 75 Ciro Road. It will remain at this location, operating as School Lines Connecticut Inc. The company, which sells and services Blue Bird and Micro Bird brand buses, will continue to operate with the same team of employees.

Lintern’s wife and company co-owner, Debbie, has assisted in daily operations of the business since 1988. 

"Debbie and I are pleased with this natural transition for ourselves, our dedicated team and loyal customers,” Dave Lintern said in a press release. “The relationship with the Girardin family and the Lintern family goes back many decades. We cannot imagine a better outcome for School Lines." 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Girardin President Dave Girardin said the company is pleased to welcome School Lines Connecticut to the Girardin family of businesses.

"This transaction, along with other planned investments, will increase the product offering and servicing capability of School Lines Connecticut and strengthen its position in the Northeast,” Girardin said.

The merger is expected to mean expanded parts and service offerings for customers, according to Girardin. A 60-year-old company, Girardin is a dealer of Blue Bird and Micro Bird buses, with locations in Canada, New York and now, Connecticut.

Blue Bird Corp. manufactures school buses, and estimates it has about 180,000 of its buses on the road today.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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