A new entrant to the Scottish estate agency market, has bought Simpson & Marwick, one of Scotland’s oldest legal and property brands.

The newly formed The Simpson & Marwick Group has acquired the Simpson & Marwick estate agency business from Moray Group for a six-figure sum.

The Simpson & Marwick Group will be led by Sean Nicol, the former sales director of Edinburgh solicitor estate agents Coulters, and Gary Wales, a former director of American realtors Keller Williams Caledonia, and ex-professional footballer who played for Hearts and Kilmarnock.

They are joined by fellow-directors, Commsworld founder Ricky Nicol and his long-term CFO Graeme St John, who both have experience in scaling up businesses into highly successful companies.

Sean Nicol said: “The Simpson & Marwick legacy and expertise aligns perfectly with our vision and ambitions, allowing us to take an already incredible brand to an all-new level. Having served clients for almost 140 years, Simpson & Marwick brings unparalleled value and it is a privilege to carry this historic baton.

“We have plans to further enhance our customer journey as well as setting our sights on expansion and international reach, as we aim to open up a buyer pool of international clients.”

Wales added: “We are very proud to have this opportunity to develop and grow one of Scotland’s most prestigious estate agents. It’s fantastic to have the support of Ricky Nicol and Graeme St John, who built up Commsworld into the most successful telecoms company in Scotland”

Rob Aberdein, MD, Moray Group, said: “We are pleased to be able to pass on the Simpson & Marwick brand to such an experienced and expert group of custodians who will take this historic business to the next level.

“Estate agency is no longer core to our future plans but we are excited about where the new owners can take the brand and its people, and we wish them all well.

“Moray Group will now focus on developing its core legal services of conveyancing and private client and preparing for ABS [Alternative Business Structures] being launched in Scotland, when it will formally become part of Progeny.”