Wymondham-based operator H Semmence and Co, trading as Semmence Coaches, has been purchased by Sanders Coaches.
The change of ownership will see all Semmence contracted and private hire operations move to the Sanders depot around nine miles away in Norwich. It was opened in the recent past to complement Sanders’ existing bases in Holt and North Walsham.
Coaches and the majority of Semmence staff will transfer with the sale. Duties inherited by Sanders with the purchase will be undertaken with a mix of Semmence vehicles and others already in the buyer’s fleet.
Semmence Coaches has been in business since 1922. It has an international O-Licence for 32 vehicles. Sanders Coaches celebrated 50 years in 2025, noting then that the depot in Norwich was established after it saw “a big opportunity” in the city for coach operation.
Speaking about the deal, Business Manager Martin Sanders says: “We are delighted to complete the purchase of the H Semmence and Co business.
“When the opportunity to discuss a purchase arose, we immediately felt it would be an excellent fit with our existing operations and to further grow our presence in the Norwich, South Norfolk and Breckland areas following the opening of our new depot on Bessemer Road in Norwich last year.
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to both the staff and customers who are joining us, and are committed to continuing the excellent service we are known for.”
In a brief social media post announcing the sale, Semmence Coaches thanked its customers for their support and noted that Sanders Coaches will run all of the Wymondham operator’s services from Tuesday 26 May.
By 2025, the Sanders fleet had grown to 99, made up of 42 coaches and 57 buses. Both segments have seen heavy investment in new stock over recent years.
