Foxtons buys two UK regional estate agents to expand outside of London

(Alliance News) - Foxtons Group PLC on Tuesday said it has made two acquisitions to expand its ...

Alliance News 29 October, 2024 | 11:59AM
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(Alliance News) - Foxtons Group PLC on Tuesday said it has made two acquisitions to expand its business outside of London, scooping up Haslams Estate Agents Ltd and Imagine Property Group Ltd.

The London-based estate agent acquired the businesses for a total of GBP12.6 million initially, plus up to GBP3.4 million more dependent on performance targets. This is comprised a GBP7.6 million initial consideration for Haslams and GBP5.0 million for Imagine.

Both acquisitions are "the largest lettings and sales agents in their core markets, and increase the group's branch footprint to 64 branches", Foxtons said. It expects the acquisitions to deliver approximately 2,900 further tenancies, which increases the size of Foxton's tenancy portfolio by around 10% to over 31,000.

Haslams is focused on Reading and reported GBP800,000 in operating profit on GBP6.5 million in revenue for calendar 2023. Imagine is focused on Watford. It recorded operating profit of GBP500,000 on revenue of GBP3.3 million for its financial year that ended March 31.

Both Reading and Watford are markets forecast to deliver "leading levels of economic growth" compared to the rest of the UK, Foxtons said, citing a UK regional economic forecast by accountants Ernst & Young.

Chief Executive Officer Guy Gittins said: "Our latest acquisitions add to our strong track record of identifying, acquiring and integrating high quality lettings businesses to deliver attractive returns and are a key part of our strategy to deliver GBP25 million to GBP30 million adjusted operating profit in the medium term.

"We are delighted to have completed the acquisitions of Haslams and Imagine as we continue to pursue acquisitive lettings growth, to supplement our organic growth strategies. We have been impressed with the quality of both businesses which hold established leadership positions in their local markets and have built long-standing client relationships over many years, making them a great fit with Foxtons.

"Reading and Watford are new markets for Foxtons and reflects our confidence that the Foxtons operating platform, and in particular our technology, data and reach can unlock new growth opportunities in these new markets."

The acquisition will be funded by Foxton's existing GBP30 million revolving credit facility, which it has the option to extend to GBP40 million.

Shares in Foxtons were down 0.3% at 58.80 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.

By Emily Parsons, Alliance News reporter

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Foxtons Group PLC 59.00 GBX 1.03 -

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