South East: The Romans Group group makes second acquisition of the year
The Romans Group has announced another significant step in its expansion strategy with the acquisition of Meldrum Salter Edgley in Guildford. This follows the acquisition with James Griffin in Bracknell in May.
Expanding its portfolio of estate and letting agencies has been high on the agenda for the Romans Group with nine successful acquisitions already under its belt since 2013 and a £12 million finance facility from its bankers available for more business purchases.
James Griffin’s Bracknell-based sales and lettings agency is now fully-incorporated into the Romans Bracknell branch which has been established in the town since 1987. Many of the agents have worked in Bracknell for over a decade and have extensive knowledge of the local property market.
Griffin commented: “Not only does this successful, dynamic property services group have over 25 years of market experience and expertise, but it also shares the same key principles that we value the most – integrity and a passion for excellence.
“In the Berkshire area this service is unrivalled and I see this as a natural progression and the best possible way to provide our many loyal customers with the most up-to-date technology and services.”
Business will continue as usual for Meldrum Salter Edgley in Guildford with the name being retained alongside Romans’, and the team offering professional and expert advice on sales, lettings, and surveying. As a result of the new partnership it can now also offer clients expert mortgage advice, a property auctions sales room, planning expertise, and access to some of the most renowned new homes developments in the area.
Michael Ginsberg, senior partner of Meldrum Salter Edgley, said: “It was always going to be a difficult decision on whether or not to sell the business. In the end, I need not have worried as the purchasers, the Romans Group, conducted matters in a straightforward and transparent manner. They have accumulated considerable experience in purchasing a number of other practices and I appreciated the calm and considered way in which they handled the negotiations and due diligence process.”
Peter Fuller, managing director of Romans Lettings, said: “We have a lot of experience in working in, and moving into, similar markets to Guildford with existing branches in Windsor, Maidenhead, Henley-on-Thames, and Sunningdale to name a few.”