Countrywide, the UK’s largest estate agency and property services Group, has today announced the acquisition of Hamptons International, and rights to expand across key locations including the UK, Europe and Asia.
The agreement includes the global business operations of Hamptons International, one of the premier international residential agencies, and its network of more than 80 branches in the UK and overseas, with rights to further expand the world-renowned brand globally.
The acquisition forms a key part of Countrywide’s strategic plan to further expand into the prestigious high-end property market, following the recent purchase of the Sotheby’s International Realty franchise in the UK.
Grenville Turner, Countrywide Group Executive, said: “This acquisition is a major breakthrough for both companies – they are a perfect fit. We identified that Hamptons International offers a key growth opportunity and we recognise the quality of its brand, its people, its branch locations and international credentials.
“Countrywide has a proven track record of growing and investing in strong businesses, which speaks volumes in terms of what we can offer Hamptons International. This acquisition will extend our market coverage and support our plans to capitalise on the opportunities in the prestigious high-end property sector.”
Hamptons International will continue to operate as a business in its own right and will join Countrywide’s network of 1,200 offices and 43 leading estate agency brands, which includes John D Wood & Co., and Sotheby’s International Realty.
Shakeel Barok, Acting Managing Director of Hamptons International, said: “This news marks an exciting new era for Hamptons International to continue to expand and diversify our business. The strength and breadth of Countrywide’s services and infrastructure will enable Hamptons International to continue to drive its vision and business strategy forward. This collaboration highlights the value and reputation of the Hamptons International brand within the market. There is strong synergy between the two companies and I look forward to working together to extend our market reach.”
The sale was agreed with Dubai-based Emaar Properties, which will continue to operate Hamptons International in the Middle East and North Africa, with Countrywide owning the rights to expand globally.
Countrywide is the UK's largest estate agency and property services Group, employing more than 9,000 staff, and its extensive portfolio of property services includes estate agency, lettings, mortgage and insurance services, land and new homes, franchising, auctions, surveying, conveyancing and corporate property management services.
To arrange interviews and find out more, please contact:
Gemma Stacey
Group PR Manager
Tel: + 44 (0)7515753344
Email: gemma.stacey@countrywide.co.uk
Jane Jorgensen
Head of PR & Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)207 758 8488 / +44 (0)7748 882 050
Email: jorgensenj@hamptons-int.com
Hamptons International is one of the premier international residential agents, offering an extensive portfolio of UK and international property solutions. Services include sales, lettings, residential developments, property management and mortgages. With more than 140 years’ experience, Hamptons International offers unrivalled expertise and service in its market. Hamptons International is headquartered in London and currently has an international network of over 85 offices. The company continues to expand both locally and internationally, positioning it as one of the most valuable residential property groups in the world. For further information please see: www.hamptons.co.uk
Countrywide is the UK's largest and most successful estate agency and property services Group, operating more than 1,200 associated branches across England, Scotland and Wales.
Countrywide’s network of expertise helps more people move than any other business in the UK and is a leading provider of estate agency, lettings, mortgage services, land and new homes, franchising, auctions, surveying, conveyancing and corporate property management services.
Countrywide’s award-winning service has earned the business 55 high-profile industry awards in the last two years, with customers voting Countrywide Best Large Estate Agency Chain and Best Large Lettings Chain at the 2010 Estate Agency of The Year Awards. Other awards include Best Estate Agency, Best Letting Agency and Best Land & New Homes Agent of the Year at the 2009 Negotiator Awards, and Best Surveyor & Valuer at the 2009 Mortgage Strategy Awards.