A business founded 121 years ago is to be sold after being owned and run by four generations of the same family.

Seel and Co, one of Wales’ oldest independent estate and letting agents, chartered surveyors and auction houses, has been acquired by Jeffrey Ross estate agents.

Seel and Co’s outgoing managing director Tony Seel will stay on as a consultant at the company for a period of time for continuity.

The company was established by his great-grandfather in 1898.

Following the sale, Seel and Co will continue to operate completely independently, retaining its own name.

Ross Hooper-Nash, managing director of Jeffrey Ross, which has four branches across Cardiff, said of the acquisition: “I have long been an admirer of Seel and Co and believe it has great potential in the real estate market in south Wales.

“The business perfectly complements and adds a new dimension to the current offering we have at Jeffrey Ross.

“For customers and clients of Seel and Co it will be business as usual: its expert staff will carry on doing what it does best – offering a specialist service in the auction, lettings, block property management and surveying market.”

Seel and Co has 22 members of staff based at its Cardiff offices.