London United began as London United Tramways in the early 1900s. They were bought out by Stanwell Buses Ltd (Westlink) from London Transport in 1995 and by Trandev in 1997. They once operated trams (until 1933) and trolleybuses (until 1952). The name was reincarnated when London United Busways set up as a subsidary of London Buses during the late 80s. Upon privatisation in 1994, it was purchased by a management buyout and remained London United. In 1997 the bus company was puchased by French transport group Transdev. London United operates approxmately 60 routes on contract to Tfl (Transport for London) and employs around 2000 staff.