Blue Bird Corporation recently announced it has completed its acquisition of Girardin Group’s stake in the 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture, taking full ownership of the enterprise.

The transaction, valued at approximately $200 million and funded with 30% cash and 70% Blue Bird common stock, marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to streamline operations and expand.

The acquisition demonstrates Blue Bird’s commitment to growth and market expansion, according to the company. The transaction allows Blue Bird to consolidate its North America operations and unify its businesses under one team and brand, "unlocking further value for customers and shareholders."

According to the company release, this means Blue Bird will offer "the broadest product portfolio of industry-leading Type A, C, and D school, multi-purpose, and commercial buses." Blue Bird is the only vehicle manufacturer in North America to provide diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric buses.

The acquisition also enhances Blue Bird’s participation in the growing Buy America Act–compliant shuttle bus market, building on Micro Bird’s expansion into the segment following the opening of its Plattsburgh, New York, manufacturing facility in 2025.

“This is an important and exciting milestone for Blue Bird,” said John Wyskiel, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “With full ownership of Micro Bird, we are further strengthening our strategic position, enhancing operational alignment, and expanding our ability to serve customers with a comprehensive range of innovative transportation solutions. We are well-positioned to drive long-term growth and create value for our shareholders.”

As part of the transaction, Blue Bird has added Steve Girardin to its Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Steve Girardin and look forward to his contributions,” said Doug Grimm, Chairman of the Board. “This transaction represents a natural evolution of a highly successful partnership and further strengthens Blue Bird’s leadership position in the North American bus market.”

“This year marks our 60^th year as a small bus manufacturer and our successful partnership with Blue Bird,” said Steve Girardin, Micro Bird chairman and vice-president of the Girardin Group. “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.”

Blue Bird and Girardin Group established Micro Bird as a 50/50 joint venture in 2009. Today, Micro Bird offers gasoline, propane, and electric-powered buses and employs approximately 960 team members at its Drummondville, Quebec, and Plattsburgh, N.Y., locations.

Piper Sandler & Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Blue Bird on this transaction.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published February 17, 2026, and was updated April 2, 2026, when Blue Bird's acquisition of Girardin Group’s stake in the 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture was completed.