Over the past 65 years, Minnesota Coaches has built a reputation as a provider of student transportation, ensuring thousands of children get to school safely and reliably every day.
From its beginnings in Hastings, Minnesota, the family-owned company has grown into a regional powerhouse, serving 36 public school districts and numerous private and charter schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Now, with an investment from Tiger Infrastructure Partners, the company is poised to drive its next chapter of growth.
Tiger Infrastructure Partners has announced it will provide growth capital to Minnesota Coaches to consolidate its ownership structure and fuel expansion.
Headquartered in New York and London, the private equity firm specializes in growth capital for middle-market infrastructure companies in North America and Europe. Its investments span digital infrastructure, energy transition, and transportation sectors, with a focus on driving sustainable growth.
Opportunity for growth
The investment will enable the company to strengthen its operations, invest in technology and equipment, and pursue new routes and contracts.
“Over many decades, Minnesota Coaches and its affiliated companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing students with safe and reliable transportation to and from school every day,” said Emil W. Henry Jr., CEO of Tiger Infrastructure. “Their reputation for quality service and a strong safety record speaks volumes, with top customers maintaining relationships with the company for an average of 50 years.”
Founded in 1959 by the Regan family, Minnesota Coaches has steadily grown through organic efforts and 11 acquisitions. Today, the company operates a fleet of over 1,000 school buses and vehicles from 20 terminals and has more than 1,350 employees.
“We are excited to partner with Tiger Infrastructure to continue to grow Minnesota Coaches with the same focus on reliability and safety that has served us so well in the past,” said Pat Regan, CEO of Minnesota Coaches and son of the company’s founder. “This partnership ensures that our management team and owners remain involved long-term, while providing the resources needed to scale.”
The partnership with Tiger Infrastructure also positions Minnesota Coaches to pursue acquisitions of other student transportation businesses and capitalize on growing industry needs, such as special education transport.
The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, marks a significant milestone for Minnesota Coaches.
“We believe Minnesota Coaches is well-positioned for future growth both through acquisition and organically,” said Adam Emmert, Senior Managing Director at Tiger Infrastructure. “The company’s long-term relationships, strong service record, and ability to adapt to evolving demands make it a leader in its field.”
