New branch for franchise giant after acquisition of i...

National agency Martin & Co has announced the acquisition of independent Essex agency Owen Lyons.

Martin & Co Chelmsford owner Stephen Frost purchased the 100-strong lettings portfolio of Owen Lyons, subsequently growing his business by 50%.

Frost has also acquired the agency's premises in Danbury, just outside Chelmsford, as well as its four members of staff.

The team includes Owen Lyons owner Martin Orchard who will join the Martin & Co Danbury team and continue to look after the day-to-day running of the office.

"I have been looking for the right business to acquire for several years now and Owen Lyons was a great fit for our us," says Frost, who was a regional operations director for Martin & Co prior to purchasing the Chelmsford branch in a 2008 re-sale.

"The agency has the same high level of customer service that we pride ourselves on and this acquisition will cement our future as well as opening up the Martin & Co brand to a wider demographic in Danbury."

Martin & Co managing director Louise Griffiths adds: "Stephen is one of our most experienced branch owners and really is the face of the Chelmsford property scene having worked in the area for two decades."

"[Our] reputation in Chelmsford is second to none and I know the clients and staff of Owen Lyons will benefit hugely from the experience of Stephen and his team."

"It’s extremely pleasing to see Stephen expanding his operation into Danbury and I look forward to watching his business continue to grow," she says.