Buyer swoops on Bristol Ambulance EMS in insolvent asset sale

Leeds-based EMED Group has acquired the operations and assets of Bristol Ambulance EMS (BAEMS Ltd) in an insolvent asset sale, securing patient transport and specialist ambulance services across the South West following the appointment of administrators to the Bristol-based company on 22 May 2026.

The deal transfers approximately 315 staff, 120 ambulances and operational activities across seven depots to EMED Group. Services have continued without interruption throughout the transition. No information is available on the financial terms of the transaction or the circumstances that led to the administration.

An agreement transferring operations and assets to EMED Group was completed on the same day as the appointment of administrators from PKF Francis Clark, following preparation designed to protect continuity of services for patients and NHS partners throughout the process.

Bristol Ambulance EMS has provided patient transport and specialist ambulance services across the South West for more than 50 years. The current operating company, BAEMS Ltd, was incorporated in 2017. Headquartered at Jacwyn House in St Philips, Bristol, the company expanded its geographic reach steadily in the years prior to the administration, opening ambulance stations in Thatcham, Poole, Exeter, Bridgwater and Keynsham between 2017 and 2024 to build a seven-depot network across the region.

The company employs more than 600 staff and operates a modern ambulance fleet supported by an in-house workshop and bodyshop. It holds an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), awarded following an inspection in January 2026 with the report published in April of that year. In 2024, the company was awarded both the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) patient transport services Hub contract and a Critical Care Transport and Call Handling contract.

Rob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Ambulance EMS, said: "Our priority throughout this process has been protecting continuity of service for patients and supporting our colleagues across the organisation. EMED have demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining services, supporting teams and working closely with NHS partners during the transition period. I would also like to thank colleagues across Bristol Ambulance EMS for their professionalism, resilience and continued dedication to patient care throughout what has understandably been a challenging period."

EMED Group was formed in February 2023 following the merger of two established NHS transport providers, E-zec Medical Transport Services and ERS Medical. The Leeds-based group describes itself as the UK's leading provider of non-emergency ambulance and healthcare transport services, working with NHS organisations, integrated care systems and healthcare providers through four specialist divisions - Patient Care, Community Care, Courier Services and Safe Care. It is backed by Tiger Infrastructure Partners, which acquired the group from Cairngorm Capital.

Prior to the BAEMS transaction, EMED employed 3,623 colleagues and operated a fleet of 1,402 vehicles from more than 50 bases across the UK. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the group completed more than two million patient journeys nationwide.

The Bristol Ambulance EMS transfer represents a further step in EMED's ongoing expansion across England. The group has recently secured new patient transport contracts in Derbyshire and Leicestershire and opened operational sites in Sussex. The addition of BAEMS's seven South West depots, 315 colleagues and 120 vehicles substantially extends EMED's presence in the region.

Craig Smith, Group CEO of EMED Group, said: "Our immediate priority is supporting patients, Bristol Ambulance colleagues and NHS partners through this transition and ensuring services continue to operate safely and effectively. Over the last 15 years Bristol Ambulance has built a great operation, with outstanding CQC reports, and provides critical services across the region that enables access to healthcare in a wide range of settings. We are pleased to welcome colleagues into our family."

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