York estate agency Hunters agrees merger and boosts branch network

Hunters Property Group, the 105 branch national estate and lettings agency based in York, has agreed a merger which will see its network grow larger still.

Coincidentally it is merging with Hunters Group based in the West Midlands. Although they share a name, the two companies were entirely separate – until now.

The businesses will combine to oversee about 10,000 sales and lettings transactions annually. Both companies were established more than 20 years ago amid the early 1990s recession.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director and co-founder of Hunters Property Group and John Ozwell, founder and chairman of Hunters Group, said they were delighted to unify the Hunters name under a single business.

“As we continue to grow our company, this is an important strategic merger that is designed to complement our existing network,” said Mr Hollinrake

“Hunters Group Ltd bring a wealth of experience and diverse specialisms and will reinforce our strength across the Midlands housing market, adding to the branches we already have in Harborne and Stourbridge.

“The investment into Hunters Group marks the latest effort to boost Hunters coverage and success in the residential market, both across the Midlands and nationwide.”

The expanded network will now have 112 branches. Hunters are expected to have more than 140 offices by end of the year, with a plan for a further growth to about 500 offices in five years’ time.

Hunters Property Group was advised by Tariq Javaid and Richard Feltham from York based accountants and business advisers Garbutt and Elliott, with Midlands law firm Spearing Waite offering legal advice.

Tariq Javaid said: “We are delighted to have advised on this merger which expands Hunters geographical coverage in a buoyant residential housing market which will underpin its successful national growth strategy.”

The deal was supported by HSBC, led by Andy Howard.