Property group agrees merger

HUNTERS Property Group, a 105-branch national estate and lettings agency headquartered in York, has agreed a merger with Hunters Group, based in the West Midlands.

The two businesses will combine to oversee about 10,000 sales and lettings transactions annually. Both companies were established more than 20 years ago.

Hunters Property Group was advised by Tariq Javaid and Richard Feltham from Yorkshire accountants and business advisers Garbutt and Elliott’s corporate finance team and Martin Smith and Stephen McElhone from the corporate team of law firm Spearing Waite.

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 Hollinrake

“Hunters Group 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 and 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.

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

Tariq Javaid, corporate finance director of Garbutt and Elliott, which has offices in Leeds and York, 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.”

Martin Smith, head of corporate at Spearing Waite, said: “This is an exciting time for the merged Hunters group and we are very pleased to have been able to assist in the strategic expansion.”