Property consultancy Walker Singleton has acquired the book of business of Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors-owned Halifax estate agents Boococks as part of its ongoing West Yorkshire growth plans.
The deal, which was for an undisclosed sum, has immediately grown Walker Singleton’s residential estate agency and property management portfolio within Calderdale.
As part of the same West Yorkshire expansion strategy, Walker Singleton acquired Brighouse-based estate agency Daniel & Hirst 18 months’ ago.
In total, the firm now has around 900 properties under management across West Yorkshire and 200 homes for sale, all mainly located within the Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford areas.
Walker Singleton has offices in Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford and employs 54 people, of which 22 work within its residential estate agency team. Four Boococks employees have transferred to the firm.
The book of business is being operated by Walker Singleton’s estate agency brand WS Residential. The average selling price for WS Residential properties is around £250,000 and the estate agency focuses on the sale of family homes.
Walker Singleton’s premium estate agency brand, Charnock Bates, which specialises in the sale of fine, country and period homes across West Yorkshire valued at up to £3.5m, is not impacted by the deal.
Commenting on the transaction, Walker Singleton director, Ben Waites, said: “Buying Boococks’ book is a great way for us to expand our sales and lettings footprint in Calderdale, just as we successfully did with the acquisition of Daniel & Hirst.
“It provides WS Residential with the platform for further organic and acquisitive growth, and we are very pleased to welcome four new members to our team who have excellent local knowledge.
“We now look forward to continuing to raise awareness of WS Residential within West Yorkshire whilst providing our clients and tenants with excellent levels of service and advice.”
Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors director, Andrew Crabtree, added: “When we decided to consider selling Boococks’ book of business, we were only prepared to sell to an organisation with the same values as ours.
“We have, of course, known Walker Singleton for a long time so there is no doubt we have placed both the Boococks business and its people in great hands. Ben and his team have an excellent reputation and we wish them every success as they grow WS Residential throughout West Yorkshire.”
Walker Singleton was advised on the deal by corporate partner Angela Cashin at Schofield Sweeney.
