Hunters  launched on the AIM junior stock market this morning.

The business currently has 153 offices, mostly franchised businesses, with 11 branches owned by the group.

York-based Hunters was valued at £16.9m on admission with the opening price for shares at 68p.

Chairman and co-founder of Hunters Kevin Hollinrake, who is now an MP, said: “Today marks an exciting moment for Hunters as it seeks to capitalise on its recent success to become the UK’s leading estate agency brand.

“By joining AIM we open up a new route to capital to support our ambitions and enhance our offering to existing and new franchisees. I would like to thank everybody who has been part of Hunters’ success story to date.”