Benchmark International

Benchmark International has advised on the transaction between chartered surveyors, Dunlop Heywood, and estate agents, The Leaders Romans Group.

Dunlop Heywood is a chartered surveying practice specialising in rating consultancy and property management with offices in London, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Belfast. Clients include Asda, Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City, Travis Perkins, Leeds Bradford and Dublin airports, and charities.

It is a renowned property consultancy that was established by founding partner Stuart Hicks in 2008, but the origins of the business can be traced back to 1832.

Leaders Romans Group is one of the UK’s largest property services groups following the merger of Leaders, Romans and Boyer in 2016 and is backed by leading private equity firm, Bowmark Capital. Starting in residential sales and lettings, the company has since expanded to offer a whole host of property services from planning to financial services and corporate property management. The company has 160 branches across the country and employs over 2,100 people.

Post-sale, Stuart and the senior team will remain with the business, which will continue to trade as Dunlop Heywood.

The senior teams at Leaders Romans Group and Dunlop Heywood are now working on an investment and development plan, which will ensure that Dunlop Heywood maintains its position as the leading business rates consultancy in the UK.

Peter Kavanagh, CEO at Leaders Romans Group, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for LRG, which will further enhance the range of expert property services we can offer our clients.

“Dunlop Heywood has a very well-established market reputation for providing expert rating advice, and I am confident that by working with Stuart and his team, we will be able to grow the business in the coming years.”

Jonathon Parkinson, Director at Benchmark International, added: “We are delighted for the shareholders of Dunlop Heywood and think the ideal acquirer was found, allowing Stuart and Nigel to realise their personal objectives, as well as ensuring the growth of the company. The deal allows LRG to expand into an additional property area and it is well-positioned to take Dunlop Heywood forward. It was a pleasure working with both parties and we wish them all the best going forward.”

Benchmark International would like to thank all parties involved and we wish them all the very best of luck for the future.

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Europe: Carl Settle at +44 (0)161 359 4400 / Settle@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +2721 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

Benchmark International’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximising solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $6B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from 12 offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

Website: http://www.benchmarkintl.com/
Blog: http://blog.benchmarkcorporate.com/