Knightsbridge estate agency Nicolas Van Patrick (NVP) has acquired Chelsea lettings and management company HLR.

The independent firm, co-founded by Nicolas Pejacsevich, Patrick Alvarado and Dutch businessman John Fentener van Vlissingen in 2014, has added well-established brand HLR to its stable, having acquired Hobart Slater in 2018.

HLR, founded nearly 40 years ago by Ginny Hicks, has a long, respected history. With the help of Julia Wiggins, HLR has focused on delivering quality service and long-lasting relationships built up over the years from personal referrals. The HLR team in its entirety will move into NVP’s Montpelier Street offices in order to ensure continuity for clients as HLR integrates into the NVP business.

With the continued support of Boron, the investment company of the J.A. Fentener van Vlissingen family, NVP remains on the lookout for further acquisitions if the right opportunity comes along.

Nic Pejacsevich, director of NVP, said: “Over the years, it has become clear that to succeed in agency it is important not to be too reliant on the sales market, which can be sporadic and unpredictable. Subsequently, we have plans to grow the lettings side of the business and have been in the market for a while for a company with the same ethos and relationships that we have built with our clients at NVP.

“I had long heard about HLR’s highly-experienced and dedicated team and their success in the rental business. We believe this is the right fit for NVP and are excited to continue to build a foothold in Chelsea, an area we have long worked in and loved.

“We remain extremely passionate about maintaining the ethos of a boutique agency with a vision to build long-lasting relationships with clients, a view shared by Ginny and her team.”

Ginny Hicks, co-founder of HLR, commented: “We are excited to work with NVP and for this next chapter. We have always felt that being a small company gives us an advantage, one we see continuing with NVP. Both companies understand the value of an experienced team headed by accessible partners who offer a personal and bespoke service.”

Julia Wiggins, who joined HLR in 1999, added: “Our established knowledge and experience of the lettings market in Chelsea, with long-standing clients who appreciate our personal touch, will continue under a different banner. While there are many large corporates operating in London, we passionately believe there is strong demand for a personal service-type of agency for those who want a hands-on service, which is what we continue to offer with NVP.”