[3] The move attracted some criticism within the region, as no other potential buyers had been consulted: local bus operator Clayton Jones stated that he would have made a bid had the proposal been openly discussed.

The council described claims that the two events were linked as a "wild accusation", noting that Stagecoach intended to retain all Islwyn staff members.

[4] The deal was concluded in early January 2010, with Islwyn's operations integrated with those of Stagecoach in South Wales.

Prior to its sale in 2010, Islwyn operated 18 local bus routes centred on Caerphilly and Blackwood, taking in Cardiff and Bargoed.

Independent operator Paul Diaper Tours was taken over in 1991, and the coaching division rebranded to Kingfisher Travel.