Ratings business sold to Vail Williams

Chris Cave

Oakham-based Ruddle Merz (RM) has sold its general ratings business to Birmingham-based Vail Williams.

The acquisition, which comes just 12 months after Vail Williams bought Bisset Moffatt Hill (BMH), means the firm will have 20 people based across the firm’s offices in the Midlands and south of England.

Vail Williams recently expanded its presence in Birmingham.

In May the firm moved to larger offices on Newhall Street and has hired property investment expert, Richard Goodall, who joined as partner from JLL.

Chris Cave, Vail Williams regional managing partner for the Midlands said: “We are delighted to announce that the general rating division of RM is joining Vail Williams. The business enjoys an excellent national reputation, and their team will play a significant role in the continued growth of our Birmingham team.

“By combining the skills and experience of three rating departments from Vail Williams, BMH and the general rating division of RM, we believe that we are best placed to provide the expert business rates advice that our clients need.”

“One year in to our three year business development plan, we are seeing positive growth in line with expectations, and we hope to continue this trend as we seek opportunities to work with more like-minded businesses such as RM and BMH.”

Three of the team, headed by Nick Sercombe, will move to the firm’s Birmingham office, whilst the remaining three, headed by Sarah Davey, will relocate to Vail Williams’ London office.

Nick Sercombe, director of surveying at RM, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing our experience and business rates expertise to complement the existing offering at Vail Williams’ Birmingham office.

“This is an incredibly important time for occupiers, so we are delighted to be able to work to provide clients with the expert business rates advice they need, supported by the wider infrastructure of the Vail Williams business.”

The power industry rates division of Ruddle Merz does not form part of the acquisition.

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