LDC-backed estate agency swoops for Yorkshire rival

Yorkshire estate agency Linley & Simpson has acquired long-established regional rival Angus Roberts.

The deal will see Linley & Simpson, which operates from offices across North and West Yorkshire, add 240 homes to the letting portfolio at its branch on Brook Street, Ilkley.

The acquisition is the firm’s seventh this year and 33rd since it launched in 1997.

Linley & Simpson now has around 6,300 Yorkshire homes under management, operates 11 offices and employs 180 staff.

Earlier this summer, it secured a £10m investment from Lloyds Banking Group’s private equity arm, LDC.

The company is aiming to increase the number of properties in its portfolio to 10,000 during the next three years.

Linley & Simpson chief exec Will Linley said: “Ilkley commands ever-growing appeal as a place to live and we are delighted to cement our position in the town with our acquisition of a dedicated letting agency of the calibre of Angus Roberts.

“Angus Roberts has been a well-known and respected name on the Ilkley High Street for more than a decade and we are thrilled it has chosen to become part of our journey of growth.”

As part of the agreement, Angus Roberts owner and MD David Waterhouse will join the Linley & Simpson senior team.

David is the Yorkshire representative of letting sector professional body ARLA.

Will continued: “David brings a wealth of expertise to our team and adds an extra dimension in key areas of the business. He will play a key role in improving the quality of our services across all our branches.

“His market insight and special interest in the buy-to-let market will also support our landlords in ensuring their investment portfolios continue to meet their needs.”

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