First v Stagecoach in Manchester

[Metroline1511]

RE: First v Stagecoach in Manchester
Regarding 90s privatisation, both GMN and GMS were sold to their employees in 1994, and to First and Stagecoach respectively in 1996. I wonder whether Stagecoach taking over GMS prompted GMN to sell to First?

First certainly consider themselves here to stay on Wilmslow Road services, having increased and extended routes 41 and 42 and now upgraded them to double-deck.

Stagecoach could use their Middleton base bolstered by the JPT takeover to create more cross-city services. For example, routes 85 and 86 could extend north to Middleton and NMGH and replace routes 112 and 118.