The challenges of merging the operations of two well-known estate agencies locally when one buys the other have produced an unusual outcome in London.

Lomond, which in December bought 60-branch KFH and made it the group’s flagship brand in London, had also six months earlier bought Draker, a ‘boutique’ but well-known agency in Chelsea with branches in Fulham Broadway, Sloane Square and Notting Hill.

The two brands within these three areas have now been ‘merged’ into a dual identity with Draker’s Sloane Square office (main image) labelled as ‘Draker now part of KFH’.

Draker’s Fulham Broadway branch is to go but KFH’s Fulham and Chelsea branch (pictured) on Fulham Road is take up its duties and has become a dual-branded office.

The other Draker office in Notting Hill has also become a KFH branch with references to Drakers within its window displays. The dual brandings at all three locations will also extend to their portal listings.

Lomond is positioning the changes, which are unusual within the industry to say the least, as a consolidation of its locations for ‘more efficient collaboration’ which in turn, the firm says, will give landlord clients access to a sales division, alongside a host of other ancillary services.

Second to none

John Ennis, Chief Revenue Officer at Lomond, says: “Draker’s reputation for quality and professionalism is second to none.

“This integration offers clients the same exceptional service, now with the added strength of Lomond’s national network and KFH’s London-wide reach.”

Duncan Blakelock, Director at KFH, added: “This integration is a strategic move that will provide meaningful benefits to clients of Draker and KFH alike.”