A four-branch estate agency has been restructured, with one of the co-founders buying out the other.

Orchards of London, with offices in Ealing, Acton, Chiswick and Shepherds Bush, was founded in 2009 by Paul Connolly and Joseph Murphy.

Murphy has now left the business which becomes part of Connolly’s Hogarth Property Group.

Murphy, who is pursuing other business interests, said: “The last nine years have been an exciting time, and it has been fantastic working with Paul and the team at Orchards of London.

“I am very proud of the growth and success we have achieved and in the team of people who have contributed to the company over the years.

“I am now entering an exciting phase in my personal life and have other interests that I wish to pursue. As a consequence, the timing was right to agree for Paul to acquire my share of the business and for me move on to new opportunities.”

Connolly said: “I would like to thank Joseph for his enormous contribution to the success of Orchards of London since we started working together and to wish him well for the future.

“With the ownership of Orchards of London now consolidated within the Hogarth Property Group and under the leadership of Liam Doherty as managing director of Orchards of London, I am looking forward to making further acquisitions to both complement and grow our portfolio.

“We are particularly interested in acquiring sales and lettings businesses in and around west London or lettings and management portfolios. We are financially strong and able to make fast decisions based on either outright purchase or via a structured earn-out arrangement.”

The Hogarth Property Group currently includes Paul Alexander Mortgage Consultants and a number of development and asset management operations.