LRG has completed the acquisition of Doolittle & Dalley, a long-established Midlands estate agency that has remained in the same family’s ownership for more than 130 years.
Founded in the late 19th century, Doolittle & Dalley has operated continuously as a family business, with members of the founding family still working within the company. The agency provides residential sales, lettings, commercial lettings and block management services across the Midlands.
The acquisition will see all employees join LRG, while the Doolittle & Dalley brand will continue to operate under its existing name.
The deal further strengthens LRG’s national network, which now comprises around 340 high street branches operating under 27 agency brands. In recent years, the group has continued to expand through acquisition while retaining many of the established local brands it acquires, allowing agencies to benefit from the group’s scale while preserving their local identity and customer recognition.
Doolittle & Dalley has built a long-standing presence in its local market, serving generations of customers and developing a business that spans residential and commercial property as well as block management.
Richard Hall, director at Doolittle & Dalley, commented: “Doolittle & Dalley has always focused on local knowledge, long-term relationships and providing a consistent service to clients across the region.
“In considering the future of the business, the priority was to find the right long-term home for Doolittle & Dalley, with the strength and stability to support both staff and clients.”
Matthew Light, group mergers and acquisitions director at LRG, added: “The strength of the Doolittle & Dalley name has been built over decades through consistency, reputation and local relationships, and that is exactly what attracted us to the business.”
The acquisition of Doolittle & Dalley follows LRG’s recent purchase of independent London estate agency Farrar & Co for an undisclosed sum, continuing the group’s acquisition strategy.
Based in Fulham, Farrar & Co was established in the 1950s and has been owned by directors Julian Chambers and Terje Gilje since 1994. The agency has built a strong presence across Fulham and Chelsea, specialising in residential sales and lettings.
As with Doolittle & Dalley, the agency continues to trade under its existing brand, with all employees transferring to LRG. Chambers has remained with the business following the acquisition, while Gilje has stepped down.
Commenting on the deal, Chambers said: “Farrar & Co has always been built on strong relationships, local knowledge and a consistent, personal approach to service. Joining LRG allows us to continue doing what we do well, while benefiting from additional support and scale. It gives the business a strong platform for future growth while staying true to what has made it successful.”
LRG has also strengthened its property management operations through the acquisition of Chelsea-based Principia Estate and Asset Management, which was also owned by Chambers and Gilje.
Principia manages around 250 residential buildings, many located within London’s conservation areas and among the capital’s highest-value residential addresses. The company has retained both its brand and existing leadership team following the acquisition.
The latest transactions reinforce LRG’s strategy of acquiring established regional and specialist businesses while retaining their local brands, management expertise and market presence.
