Countrywide : continues to invest in the UK property market acquiring three well established businesses in Wales and Merseyside

Countrywide plc

Friday, November 13, 2015

Countrywide plc, the UK's largest integrated property services group, has significantly increased its regional footprint by acquiring three well established businesses in Wales and Merseyside at the start of November.

Property agents John Francis, Clive Watkin and Sutton Kersh will add over 300 employees and 39 branch locations to Countrywide's new Retail business unit, which brings together the sales and lettings businesses to create a seamless customer facing experience.

John Francis is a leading estate and letting agent consisting of 21 branches covering Swansea and South Wales. The agent serves all aspects of the property market, including residential sales and lettings, commercial sales, auctions, new homes and financial services. The business has a market leading reputation for its modern approach, IT innovations, high quality and professional customer service and knowledgeable and trained employees.

The acquisition of John Francis makes Countrywide a dominant property agent in Wales alongside its Taylors and Beresford Adams brands. Countrywide now has a network of 40 branches throughout North, South and West Wales.

Clive Watkin Partnership is a reputable business operating a network of 15 estate agency and letting branches across Liverpool and the Wirral, as well as a land and new homes operation. Clive Watkin has strong local heritage in the North West and the acquisition provides significant geographic coverage and enhanced brand opportunities for Countrywide in this area.

Sutton Kersh is an award-winning property agent established in 1976 as a family business in Liverpool. It now has 6 multi-discipline branches across Liverpool, providing a broad range of expertise covering residential sales, lettings and property management, commercial property, auctions, mortgages, surveys, valuations, and energy performance assessments.

The acquisitions of Clive Watkin and Sutton Kersh are part of Countrywide's focus on the growth of cities and Liverpool is one of the leading cities of growth outside of London. The businesses fully complement Countrywide's Entwistle Green brand which operates in the area as well as its Land and New Homes operation.

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

'We are delighted to welcome these three well established and reputable businesses into the Countrywide Group. We have a unique ability to grow businesses by ensuring they operate autonomously, retain their local heritage and benefit from our ongoing investment and support.

'This is an exciting period for Countrywide as the growth of our Retail business unit continues to be a major focus in our plan to double the size of Countrywide over the coming five years.'

Countrywide is very interested in talking to professional agents with single or multi-branch businesses almost anywhere in the UK. If you would like to speak to Commercial Director Bruce Evans in absolute confidence he can be reached at [e-mail]

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