Hanson’s of Wordsley has now been taken over by Rotala, the Halesowen News reported.
CBW reported last week that Rotala was raising money through the conditional subscription of shares to purchase the business. Hanson’s vehicles are expected to move across to Rotala depots, with the Hanson’s premises to be sold.
Hanson’s started life in the early 1980s as a driver training operation based in Wordsley, before transitioning into a coach operator offering day trips and excursions.
Margaret Hanson, who ran the bus firm with her daughter Louise, said the company hadn’t been able to compete on fares and the sale would preserve the jobs of its drivers.
In a note on the company’s website, she said: “We would like to thank our loyal passengers and, of course, all our staff for their efforts and service over many years.”
The company’s Lye depot is expected to close by August 28, though a a spokesman for Rotala said there would be no redundancies as a result of the takeover – just redeployment of the 50-strong Hanson’s team to other depots in Kidderminster or Tividale.
The spokesman added: “Management from Rotala Plc and Diamond Bus started the consultation process with Hanson’s staff on Friday, July 28.
“The intention is to TUPE all staff from the Hanson’s business into our Diamond Bus subsidiary. The staff will have a choice of contractual terms and conditions – they can either remain on their current terms and conditions of employment or transfer onto the Diamond Bus terms.”
