Countrywide : growth strategy picks up pace: 30 lettings businesses acquired in 2015

Countrywide Retail

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Countrywide plc, the UK's largest property services group, has significantly increased its regional UK footprint, by acquiring 30 lettings businesses in 2015.

During this period, Countrywide completed acquisitions including Property Links, a well established business in Plymouth, full service lettings agency JK Lettings in Cornwall, Wyse Lettings in Torquay, HE Lettings and Ian Peat in Lincoln and the large portfolio of Woods Estate Agents in Bristol and North Somerset. Further acquisitions include the portfolio of Vanet Property Asset Management in Docklands and Canary Wharf, Letters of Distinction and Bulmers Letting in Yorkshire, QMH in Croydon and JP & Brimelow Ltd in Didsbury, Witherington and Chorlton.

In November, Countrywide also acquired John Francis, one of Wales's largest property agent networks and Liverpool's renowned Clive Watkin and Sutton Kersh. All three businesses introduced over 300 employees and 39 branch locations to Countrywide's Retail business unit, which brings together sales and lettings businesses to create a seamless customer facing experience.

Since 2007, Countrywide has acquired over 130 residential retail businesses throughout England and Scotland. These include businesses which offer a range of property services from residential lettings to sales, property auctions, property management and advice for landlords and tenants.

Commenting on the acquisitions Sam Tyrer, MD for Retail at Countrywide, said:

'The businesses that we bought in 2015 fit perfectly within our selective acquisitions retail strategy, which focuses on expanding our regional footprint across the UK. In 2014, Countrywide acquired 29 retail businesses and I am delighted that during 2015 we surpassed this challenging figure. However, these investments are about more than increasing our footprint, we are also passionate about our people. These acquisitions have brought over 600 employees into the Countrywide group and we can now offer them greater opportunities to develop their career ambitions.'

At Countrywide we are very interested in talking to professional agents with single or multi-branch businesses almost anywhere in the UK. If you have any enquiries relating to acquisitions or wish to find out more please get in touch at [e-mail]

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