The owners of Northwood Chelmsford, part of The Property Franchise Group, have acquired the Zoe Napier Group, adding a specialist agency focused on high-value homes to their Essex operations.

Zaman and Amina Sheikh, who took over the Chelmsford office in 2023, completed the deal as part of an expansion strategy that has also included the acquisition of Shenfield-based WN Properties in late 2025.

The Zoe Napier Group operates in the upper end of the market, including equestrian, coastal, waterside, country and luxury property. The business will sit alongside WN Properties and Northwood Bespoke.

Zoe Napier will remain involved as a consultant, while the existing team will continue in their roles.

Zaman Sheikh said: “Zoe is perhaps one of the most experienced estate agents in all of Essex with over 40 years of experience. I am incredibly humbled to have been chosen by Zoe to continue to take her legacy forward.

“I have always known of Zoe Napier and the brand is incredibly strong. I do genuinely remember when I started working in the industry seeing Zoe Napier’s branding and business and thinking that is something I would always strive to achieve.”

Napier said: “In both life and business, some decisions are instinctive. From my first conversation with Zaman, I felt his vision, ambition and energy to grow the Zoe Napier Group made him the perfect fit to take the business forward.

“Throughout the transaction, Zaman and Amina delivered on every promise, completing the process seamlessly and in a timely manner.”

Phil Gee, group managing director of Northwood, said: “This is a landmark acquisition for Zaman and Amina and a clear reflection of the ambition, professionalism and momentum they have built since taking over Northwood Chelmsford.”