Lomand Group’s rapid expansion into England is gathering pace after buying lettings agency Matthews of Chester through its Thornley Groves brand.

The deal sees Matthews’ rental portfolio of 380 properties, a growing residential sales arm, plus a team of more than 12 people, all transfer to Thornley Groves.

BRAND

It will retain the Matthews of Chester brand and its branch in the heart of the city at Lower Bridge Street. Its letting and property management teams will remain in Chester.

This increases the number of offices operated by Thornley Groves alongside its recently-acquired sister agency, Julian Wadden and Company, to 15.

Thornley Groves’ chief executive Jason Watkin (pictured) says: “Matthews of Chester is one of the city’s longest-established lettings specialists and has built up an impressive portfolio and a reputation to match.

“We are thrilled to gain such a strong foothold in this thriving city. It shares our strong local roots and heritage. Both of us have been matching people and property in this sought-after region of the UK for over 30 years, so it’s a perfect match.”

FAMILY-RUN

Family-run Matthews of Chester was launched and managed by Tim and Sue Matthew until their retirement in 2012. Since then it has been run by daughter Rebecca and husband Kevin O’ Reilley, who have now also chosen to retire after completing the smooth handover of their business to Thornley Groves.

Both Tim and Rebecca are former Chairs of the Chester Association of Auctioneers, Estate Agents and Surveyors.

Thornley Groves has grown rapidly throughout the past two years, completing over a dozen acquisitions which have more than tripled the size of its business.

It currently has close to 7,000 properties under its team’s management, compared to 2,400 at the end of 2020 when it became part of the Lomond Group.