OXFORD Bus Company has purchased the firm behind the City Sightseeing open-top buses and hoped to invest more in welcoming visitors to the city.

The company has bought Tom Tappin Limited which operates Guide Friday and the 'hop-on hop-off' City Sightseeing Oxford bus tours.

The open-top city bus tours will continue to be run as a standalone business under its current management but Oxford Bus Company said it would provide fresh investment.

It said the acquisition would lead to improved opportunities for cross-selling between City Sightseeing and other OBC brands, such as the airline, X90 coach services, Park & Ride and the new tourist focussed River Rapids route.

Managing director of Oxford Bus Company, Phil Southall, said: "It's really exciting to be taking ownership of such a successful and professionally-managed business, which has a long and proud history in Oxford.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the team at City Sightseeing to learn more about the company and to develop plans to ensure we collectively give the best possible welcome to visitors to our city."

Tom Tappin Limited Tom Tappin Limited has joined the Oxford Bus Company family of companies, which also includes Thames Travel and Carousel Buses

All four companies are ultimately owned by the Go-Ahead Group, a FTSE 250 listed plc which operates bus and rail services across the UK.