NORTH Suffolk-based Anglian Buses is under new ownership following a takeover by the Go-Ahead Group.

Anglian Buses, which operates 71 buses and employs 133 staff, is based in Beccles and also operates from a depot at Rackheath, near Norwich, running a range of services in an area stretching from Norwich to Ipswich.

Set up in 1981 by David and Christine Pursey, the business also operates a mix of commercial routes and school and local bus contracts. The pair are set to retire following the takeover, but Andrew Pursey will stay as managing director and the company name and brand will remain in place.

No details of the deal were released, but Go-Ahead, which operates both bus and rail services, employs around 22,000 people across the country, and was one of the shortlisted bidders to run the region’s rail franchise, losing out to Dutch firm Abellio.

Last month, Go-Ahead acquired Essex-based Hedingham Omnibuses and in 2010 it bought Norfolk-based Konect. It operates buses in Oxford, London, where it has a 20% market share, the South East and the north of England. Its rail division operates the Southern (including Gatwick Express), Southeastern and London Midland franchises.

David Brown, group chief executive of Go-Ahead, said: “Anglian Bus fits well with our strategy of acquiring well-managed businesses which have the potential for growth and further development. We look forward to building on the success already achieved by the Pursey family and the Anglian Bus team.”