Blue Bird, a school bus manufacturer and leader in electric and low-emission student transportation, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Girardin Group’s stake in its 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture. The transaction will give Blue Bird full ownership of Micro Bird and consolidate the businesses under one brand, one team, and one operating approach.
Under the terms of the agreement, Blue Bird Corporation will pay approximately $200 million for Girardin Group’s joint venture share, with 30% of the consideration in cash and 70% in Blue Bird common stock. The deal is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The acquisition enables Blue Bird to consolidate its North American operations and unify its portfolio of Type A, C, and D school buses, as well as multi-purpose and commercial buses. The company said the transaction strengthens its strategic position and unlocks additional value for customers and shareholders by broadening its product offerings and powertrain options.
Blue Bird is currently the only vehicle manufacturer in North America to offer diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered buses. With the addition of full ownership of Micro Bird Inc., Blue Bird will also significantly expand its total addressable market for Buy America Act–compliant shuttle buses. Micro Bird entered the segment in fall 2025 following the acquisition of a manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, New York.
Following the close of the transaction, Blue Bird intends to appoint Steve Girardin to its Board of Directors, adding his experience and leadership in the North American bus market.
Blue Bird and Girardin Group established Micro Bird as a 50/50 joint venture in 2009. Micro Bird specializes in designing and manufacturing Type A school and commercial shuttle buses with capacities ranging from 9 to 36 passengers. The company offers gasoline, propane, and electric-powered buses and employs approximately 960 team members across its facilities in Drummondville, Quebec, and Plattsburgh, New York.
Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Macon, Georgia, Blue Bird has sold more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses and serves approximately 25 million children twice daily across the United States. Girardin Group, headquartered in Drummondville, Quebec, is a third-generation family business with more than 65 years of experience in bus manufacturing, distribution, and operations, employing more than 3,000 team members across Canada and the United States.
Support: Piper Sandler served as exclusive financial advisor to Blue Bird.
KEY QUOTES
“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. In addition, I’m looking forward to welcoming Steve Girardin to our Board along with his contributions to Blue Bird’s continued success.”
John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation
“This year marks our 60th year as a small bus manufacturer and our successful partnership with Blue Bird. Together, we’ve driven technology, innovation and product excellence in the bus market with a reputation of serving our customers with distinction. I’m confident that Micro Bird will continue to thrive under the sole ownership of Blue Bird, marking a natural and strategically aligned transition that supports value creation for our customers, employees, and shareholders.”
Steve Girardin, Micro Bird Chairman and Vice-President of the Girardin Group
