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Hunters and Belvoir expanding

Hunters adds 23 branches to its network in the acquisition of Country Properties, while Belvoir opens three more offices.

PROPERTYdrum

hunters_logoHunters, one of the largest independent networks of sales and lettings agents in the UK, has snapped up Country Properties adding another 23 franchised branches to its set-up.

Sales and lettings agents Country Properties, founded in 1974 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, has developed into an established franchised operation, with strongholds in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

glynis_frew_huntersManaging Director of Hunters, Glynis Frew (left), commented, “We are delighted to add such a reputable and well established group of branches to the Hunters network. The two companies share the same set of values and are united in our commitment to the franchise model that we feel produces higher levels of customer service and return.”

The acquisition of Country Properties will enable Hunters to expand their presence and reach into new areas as well as welcome a group of industry accredited branches with professional franchise partners to their network.

Glynis added, “Our franchisees are passionately committed to the success of their own businesses and will work hard to ensure they deliver what today’s customer wants. Local expertise, knowledge and professionalism to help people get to where they need to be – that is our motto.”

ian_wilson_huntersThe 23 Country Properties operations will continue to be managed by Ian Wilson (right), the firm’s Managing Director, who said that he was delighted to be joining the Hunters network.

He said, “We echo the strong sentiments and driving forces behind Hunters and are pleased to be part of such a dynamic and expanding network. There is great synergy between the two businesses; the move will add value to our customers, help our franchise partners to grow revenue and potentially create further opportunities for growth in the area which is great news.”

Following the acquisition of Country Properties, the number of Hunters branches now stands at 157.

Meanwhile, Belvoir Lettings, one of the UK’s largest agency franchises, has continued its expansion programme with the opening of three new offices.

Belvoir Swansea and Belvoir Bedford are both opening second offices, while Rayson Wilshaw, a sales and lettings agency in Bury, has been taken over by the existing Belvoir Oldham and Bury offices, at a cost of around £250,000, with 50 per cent paid in cash and the rest as a deferred consideration over a four year period.

logo_belvoirThis latest acquisition of Rayson Wilshaw will more than double the size of Belvoir’s business in the area, taking the lettings portfolio to over 1,000 properties and giving it a foothold in the estate agency market in Bury.

The opening of the new office fits in with Belvoir’s strategy of helping franchisees to grow the Belvoir brand nationwide.

Mike Goddard, Chairman and Chief Executive of Belvoir, said, “By constantly seeking out acquisition opportunities and supporting our strong franchisees, Belvoir is in a very positive position to continue to establish the brand and grow our network nationally.”

May 19, 2015

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