LSL has signalled its intention to buy up many more independent agents with the appointment of a head of acquisitions – a completely new role.

Ellie Hall this week moved to LSL – parent company of Your Move and Reeds Rains, and whose most recent high-profile acquisition was that of Marsh & Parsons – from Belvoir Lettings, where she was corporate division director.

She is tasked with looking at buying up small, medium and large agents, both sales and lettings, in locations all over the UK – anything from one-office agents to multi-branch businesses.

Many – perhaps most or even all – will keep their existing brands, just as Marsh & Parsons in London, and Davis Tate in the Thames Valley, have done, although Halifax Estate Agents were rebranded.

Hall will also be looking at buying up surveying businesses and lettings portfolios.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the LSL Group and their inspiring management team, especially in view of their impressive development and reputation within the industry.

“I see this as the perfect opportunity to not only draw on my vast experience of acquisitions but to apply it to a business that is clearly committed to its ongoing growth and success. I very much look forward to being part of this.”

James McAuley, business service director for LSL Property Services, said: “We are pleased to welcome Ellie to this new role and feel that this clearly reflects our commitment to growth not only in support of LSL but also of those within the industry who are looking for alternative business solutions.

“Following large-scale acquisitions such as the purchase of Halifax Estate Agencies in 2010, to more recent acquisitions of much smaller concerns, we are clearly seen to present strong and viable business opportunities for many.

“I am now pleased that we have a dedicated head of acquisitions in place to secure our strategy for the future and ensure ongoing success in our acquisition trail.”

Hall’s appointment is unrelated to the internal promotion of Jon Cooke to be managing director of Your Move.

He was previously in charge of LSLi, the part of the business which acquires agencies and gives bosses an exit strategy.

A spokesperson for LSL last night confirmed that negotiations with Hall began months ago, long before Cooke’s promotion could have been anticipated before the sudden departure of Your Move’s previous managing director, Helen Woodhouse.