The estate agency chain has refused to comment but City traders clearly think possibility of a takeover or purchase have some credibility.

Despite claim based on market share and homes sold, estate agency also reveals reduced profits and house sales down 8% within subdued market.

Cost cutting measures have helped company's turnover and profits reductions slow but most performance dials have dimmed.

Company's recently-appointed COO Naveen Jaspal says her team have established a 'sustainable business model' for the hybrid agency.

Stock in most of the leading estate agency groups and many house builders took a tumble yesterday as City jitters over Kier announcement spread.

Lisa Charles-Jones has experience at several property companies including LSL's Your Move and Reeds Rains estate agency brands.

The company has blamed continuing weak consumer confidence created by Brexit on its slowly declining revenues.

London Stock Exchange twice briefly suspends trading yesterday as speculation over potential sale makes for volatile trading in its stock.

Latest update on its three-year turnaround plan include reducing costs across the group by 10% and growing mortgage and conveyancing businesses.

The 'new' team behind the company's 'back to basics' strategy is a familiar one at the top, its latest organogram reveals.