Independent Michael Jones & Company, which has six offices in West Sussex, has acquired a local competitor.

The firm has bought the trading book of Curtis & Sons, which will now trade as Michael Jones & Curtis.

Mike Jones, who set up the company 28 years ago, said: “As a business we see real value in growing and developing our sales and rental business.

“We are currently approaching our initial target of 2,000 fully managed properties in lettings and our recent acquisition will significantly strengthen the residential side of our group.

“We are actively looking for other acquisition opportunities in the area as it is an important part of the group’s growth and expansion plans.”

His firm acquired another local firm, Bacon & Co, two years ago, which now trades as Michael Jones & Bacon.