Entrepreneurial estate agency duo buy second business in 12 months
After acquiring their first Your Move franchise last year Sean Nolan and Sam Throw have now bought a single-branch competitor in Northamptonshire.
An entrepreneurial estate agency duo in Northamptonshire have acquired their second business in a year all under the Your Move umbrella.
Sean Nolan and Sam Throw (main image), who both have solid track records within the estate agency world, have bought Oundle agency Woodford & Co for an undisclosed sum.
The deal includes the firm’s 160-strong lettings book of fully-managed properties whic will transfer to Your Move although the Woodford & Co name will continue under their ownership for its existing sales operation within the market town.
Your Move transferred to a chiefly franchise model in 2019 and Nolan and Throw joined its list of franchisees last year when they bought five-branch Your Move Hobin Roberts off the founders of the business, Ian Hobin and Neil Roberts.This franchised operations includes branches in Northampton, Kettering, Abington, Kingsthorpe and Duston.
The pair, who have been supported by parent company LSL’s franchising and acquisitions team during the acquisition of the Oundle business, say all eight jobs at Woodford & Co are safe and co-founder Chris Woodford is to remain as a partner to ‘support a smooth transition’.
“The property business, and particularly the rental sector, operates within a fast-evolving industry, with changes to technology, procedures and legislation taking place on a surprisingly frequent basis,” says Woodford.
More rules
“More rules are likely to apply in the near future and with this in mind, and after 25 years of trading, I have decided to sell the company to a progressive, experienced firm, who can add resources, systems and support to the current rental team.”
He added that Your Move Nolan Throw stood out amongst multiple bidders due to a ‘strong alignment in values and a clear synergy between the two companies’.
Nolan and Throw, in a joint statement, says: “Woodford & Co are well-regarded, well-established property consultants and auctioneers, and we’re proud to continue their legacy under the Your Move banner.
“We’re thrilled that all staff are staying on – they’re a strong team and bring continuity and trust to the landlords they serve.
Nolan adds: “Personally, this area means a lot – I went to school in Oundle, so I’m already seeing familiar faces. It’s great to bring that local connection into the business”.
