DRUMMONDVILLE, Quebec — Girardin Blue Bird has acquired Connecticut-based dealer School Lines.

Based in North Branford, Conn., School Lines offers Blue Bird and Micro Bird by Girardin school and commercial buses along with a comprehensive parts and service center. The acquisition of the company, which will continue to operate under the School Lines name, was made official on Feb. 17, according to a news release from Girardin.

“We are pleased to welcome the School Lines Connecticut team to the Girardin family of businesses,” said Dave Girardin, president of the company. “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 has been a Blue Bird dealer for over 50 years and is a joint venture partner with Blue Bird in Micro Bird Corp., which manufacturers all Micro Bird by Girardin minibuses.

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

Dave Lintern will reportedly remain with the organization, ensuring a smooth transition for its employees, customers, and suppliers, according to Girardin. Additionally, School Lines will maintain its focus in offering customers rapid and reliable service, while expanding its readily available parts offerings for all makes.

“We love to see our dealers reinvesting in the Blue Bird network,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “It is a testament to the strength of the Blue Bird brand and of the commitment of our dealer organization. We sincerely thank Dave and Debbie for their lifelong commitment to Blue Bird and wish them every success in the future.”