East Anglia estate agency Fenn Wright has expanded its Suffolk footprint with the acquisition of Sudbury-based Thorntons.

Thorntons was established by Sam Thornton in 1989 and provides agency and conveyancing services.

The deal, for an undisclosed fee, will see Thorntons founder Sam Thornton and his staff, join the Sudbury team in a refurbished office opening on December 12.

Thornton will be an associate partner and will manage the branch with Fenn Wright partner Graham Buxton.

Independently-owned Fenn Wright now has eight offices in the East Anglia region.

Thornton said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Fenn Wright. I don’t see it as a sad day that Thorntons is closing, I see it as an exciting step forward. I am delighted to still be in the heart of the local community.”

Alan Williams, managing partner at Fenn Wright, said: “The acquisition of Thorntons wholly complements our strategy to expand our branch network.

“Sam is extremely well regarded; with his extensive knowledge of the local area, he provides an invaluable bridge between Fenn Wright and Sudbury, and is a familiar, friendly face for local residents.”