Wales’ largest independent estate and lettings agency, which operates a 21 branch network covering south west Wales, has been sold to Countrywide plc.
Advised by Cardiff-based business advisory firm Greenaway Scott, John Francis Estate Agents has joined the UK’s largest property services group.
John Francis, which serves all aspects of the property market, including residential sales and lettings, commercial sales, auctions, new homes and financial services, will continue to operate as normal under its well established brand name, managed by Directors Bethan Edmund–Harper and Richard Emanuel.
All employees will continue to work in their current roles while benefiting from Countrywide’s shared marketing and IT services, national scale and unrivalled property market insight.
Bethan Edmund-Harper, Director at John Francis Estate Agents, said: “We are delighted and excited to have joined the UK’s largest property services group. John Francis is a strong brand and a well know business in Swansea and across South Wales, and as part of Countrywide we believe that the business will continue to flourish and grow. The business will continue to trade as normal across our branch network and our employees will continue to deliver a high quality customer service as always.”
Established since 1999, John Francis has grown from strength to strength, driven by its former owners, Nigel Jones and Trevor Carr. Both Nigel and Trevor will continue to support the business in the short term as consultants, Nigel focusing mainly on property auctions and Trevor in new homes.
Bruce Evans, Commercial Director for Countrywide, said: “John Francis is the perfect fit for Countrywide, as the business has achieved a market leading position with a dedicated team of 130 employees that are renowned for delivering a high quality, reliable, honest and professional service. This business plays a key role in our retail division strategy, to expand our regional footprint and stand out as a responsible key player in the property industry.”
Nigel Greenaway, corporate director of Greenaway Scott, said: “We are extremely pleased that we were able to help secure a favourable deal for all parties involved in the acquisition. John Francis has an enviable reputation in south west Wales for delivering high quality property services, while Countrywide is known for its strong retail structure and staff training. The acquisition will, no doubt, strengthen their combined offering in the market place.”
