LRG has formally announced its acquisition of Henry Adams – confirming the deal revealed exclusively by EYE last week.
The acquisition strengthens LRG’s estate agency presence across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and brings 12 Henry Adams branches into the group.
As EYE revealed last week, the transaction includes the sales, lettings and holiday cottages operations of Henry Adams.
Two franchise branches also form part of the deal and will continue under their existing franchise agreements.
Henry Adams Fine Art, Land and Planning, Rural, Valuations and Commercial are excluded from the acquisition. These businesses will remain separate from LRG.
Henry Adams traces its roots to Wyatt & Son, which opened in Chichester in 1826. The business celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.
It adopted the Henry Adams name in 1990 and subsequently expanded across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
LRG will retain the Henry Adams brand following the acquisition, while its existing leadership and local teams will remain in place.
Ian Wiggett will continue to lead Henry Adams as managing director. Gareth Overton will remain head of residential sales alongside the existing management team.
LRG said Henry Adams will gain access to the group’s technology, training and wider resources. It also plans to use the acquisition as a platform for further expansion of the brand.
The deal adds to LRG’s existing presence across the South of England and represents another significant acquisition in the consolidating estate agency market.
Matthew Light, group mergers and acquisitions director at LRG, commented: “Henry Adams is an exceptional regional business with a long and distinguished history, an experienced team and a brand that is recognised and trusted across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. It’s a brand I have long admired for its reputation, built on strong local knowledge, long-standing client relationships, and a clear commitment to service, making it a very strong addition to LRG.
“We understand how important the Henry Adams name and identity are to its clients and its people. The brand, local teams and existing leadership will remain in place, with LRG providing the wider investment, resources and support to help the business continue to grow. The acquisition significantly strengthens our presence across the South of England and creates opportunities to extend the Henry Adams brand into new areas over time.”
Ian Wiggett, managing director at Henry Adams, said: “As the shareholders considered the long-term future of Henry Adams, our priority was to find a partner that understood what makes the business special and recognised the importance of protecting its name, people and reputation.
“LRG shared that commitment from the outset. For our clients and teams, it will be business as usual, with the same local leadership, colleagues and approach to service. At the same time, becoming part of LRG gives us access to the investment, resources and expertise needed to support the next stage of our growth.
“It will create new opportunities for the Henry Adams brand, as well as greater training, development and career progression for our people. This is an exciting next chapter for the business, and we are looking forward to building on everything Henry Adams has achieved over the past 200 years.”
The acquisition forms part of LRG’s continued strategy to partner with high-quality regional property businesses that have strong leadership teams, established local brands and clear opportunities for sustainable growth.
