High street chain Reeds Rains, part of LSL, has bought an independent lettings business, Nurture Lettings, based in the north-west.

It is the second time in two years that the owners of Nurture, James Coubrough and Nick Sykes, have sold a lettings business to LSL, after Coubrough & Co in 2016.

LSL said that, given the weight of legislation about to bear down on letting agents, it believes many owners of small firms will be considering getting out of the market.

It made it clear it is actively looking for acquisitions.

Ellie Hall, acquisitions and integrations director at LSL, said: “We are delighted to have completed this transaction not only because it supports the LSL Group’s growth strategy in lettings but because we’ve been able to help the owners of another business achieve their personal ambition.

“We are also pleased, as part of this acquisition, to welcome two members of their team to work within LSL’s Estate Agency Division which also provides continuity of service to landlords.

“We look forward to reporting further success stories in the months to come.”