Connells Group has added to its national branch network, with the acquisition of Derbyshire-based estate agents Hall & Benson.

Founded in 1993, Hall & Benson is a respected and established independent estate agency with extensive experience and local knowledge.

The company is made up of five branches in Alfreton, Allestree, Belper, Heanor and Spondon, which offer sales, lettings, mortgages, survey and valuation, and land and new homes services, and will continue to operate under its well-known local name.

John Hall and Mark Benson will be in place to help in the transition process, and approximately 35 staff will be retained.

“We are delighted to welcome Hall & Benson to Connells Group, it’s a business that we have long since admired and the acquisition forms just part of our growth strategy within Derbyshire,” said David Plumtree, Connells Group estate agency chief executive. “It allows us to extend our presence in the local and wider market, and signals our ongoing commitment to high street estate agency and the continual development of our business.”

Mark Benson, director at Hall & Benson, commented: “After building the business and team of Hall & Benson over the last 28 years, we were pleased to be approached by Connells, and ultimately to pass the responsibility for maintaining the service and success our clients have come to expect to a company we trust.”