Countrywide : acquires Finders Keepers in Oxford

Countrywide Plc

Monday, April 18, 2016

Countrywide plc, the UK's largest property services group, has increased its regional footprint in Oxford with the recent acquisition of leading lettings agency, Finders Keepers.

Finders Keepers is a family owned business operating out of eight branches within Oxford and the surrounding area, offering a full range of services to tenants and landlords, including a well-established interior design business. The business has an outstanding reputation in the City and surrounding region for its commitment to quality service, long-term relationships, professionalism and integrity which has earned it numerous national awards for services and innovation within our sector.

The Private Rental Sector accounts for an estimated 28% of Oxford households and inside the Oxford ring road, tenant demand is seasonal and Finders Keepers negotiates up to three times the number of deals in the summer than in winter. The city attracts tenants from all over the world, particularly among postgraduate tenants drawn to the Oxford's two Universities.

Finders Keepers will continue to operate as normal under its well established brand name, managed by Director Dan Channer. All of its 121 staff will continue to work in their current roles while benefiting from Countrywide's shared marketing and IT services, national scale and unrivalled property market insight.

Mary Channer, former owner and Director of Finders Keepers, said:

'I started Finders Keepers at the age of 27, and now that the digits have almost reversed I feel it is time to retire. This is made easier by knowing that the great team that we have built up over the years will stay in place and I am confident that Countrywide will be great custodians of the Finders Keepers brand, culture and business'

Dan Channer, Managing Director of Finders Keepers, added:

'It has been very clear through our discussions with Countrywide that they understand our culture and values, in particular our focus on exceptional customer service. We believe in treating landlords as individuals, abhor mediocre service and feel that finding and keeping happy tenants is key to a successful partnership between agent and landlord.

'Finders Keepers has a deep understanding of the local market and this, combined with Countrywide's broad industry experience and resource, will mean that both companies will grow stronger together.'

Bruce Evans, Commercial Director at Countrywide, said:

'Finders Keepers stood out to us because they share very similar values to Countrywide, most notably a real passion for providing excellent customer service. Since its foundation it has continuously added services that are highly valued by landlords and is constantly looking at ways in which to improve. It is this refusal to accept the status quo and belief in innovation that makes this business such a perfect fit for us and we look forward to welcoming the highly professional and dedicated team into the Group.'

Countrywide is 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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