Martin & Co snaps up family agency to become largest in area

The local branch of franchise operation Martin & Co has acquired family business Oliver James’s Witney office to become the largest agency of its type in West Oxfordshire.

Martin & Co Witney managing director Brendan Kay led the acquisition process, adding more than 50 managed properties from Oliver James’s portfolio.

Oliver James’s staff have also moved to Martin & Co Witney; the two offices are located only five doors away from each other.

“We actually nearly acquired Oliver James a year ago but the timing wasn’t quite right. But at the beginning of this year we met up and decided to restart the process and I’m delighted that everything is now complete” says Kay.

“The previous owner will be working with us at Martin & Co Witney on a consultancy basis so there will be an ongoing relationship and this merger undoubtably makes Martin & Co the number one lettings agent in West Oxfordshire.”

Kay continues: “Collectively the team have over 100 years of local experience. We’re not talking about 20-year-olds in shiny suits and we’re not just talking about relevant property sales and lettings experience but also life experience, which is vital when dealing with our clients’ most valuable asset.

“This is a merging of two like-minded agencies. Both businesses have always been right up there in the marketing rankings for local agencies, so from that point of view it’s a marriage made in heaven.”

Martin & Co is one of six brands under the Property Franchise Group umbrella - the others are EweMove, CJ Hole, Ellis & Co, Parkers and Whitegates.