Lomond has furthered its strategic growth with two significant acquisitions strengthening its foothold in both the South East and Scotland.
The group announced the acquisition of Margaret Duffus Leasing, a well-established Aberdeen-based agency, alongside the lettings portfolio of Kent’s Regal Estates.
These deals build on Lomond’s recent aggressive expansion, notably its entry into the London market earlier this year.
Lomond’s purchase of Regal Estates’ lettings book will integrate with its flagship brand in the region, Miles & Barr. Founded 25 years ago, Regal Estates has operated from branches in Canterbury and Sandwich, providing landlords and sellers with personalised advice and deep local knowledge. While the lettings portfolio joins Lomond, founder and CEO Mark Pullinger and business partner Phillip Goddard will retain and focus on the sales side of the business.
EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
John Ennis (main picture, inset), Chief Revenue Officer of Lomond, says: “Our strategy consists of identifying strong businesses and portfolios in our target markets, and this acquisition of Regal’s portfolio in Kent is no different.
“We are confident we can provide an exemplary and enhanced service to Regal’s landlord clients, and we look forward to embarking on this professional journey with them.”
Mark Pullinger adds: “For 25 years we’ve put the best interests of landlords in the local area at the heart of our business. However, in this evolving legislative landscape, we believe their needs will be better met with the support of a larger organisation offering broader technologies and capabilities. We look forward to seeing our landlord clients thrive as we consolidate and focus on residential sales from our established office in Sandwich.”
This deal marks another step in a busy year for Lomond in Kent, following its acquisition of Miles & Barr nine months ago and neighbouring Oakwood Homes shortly thereafter.
SCOTLAND FOOTPRINT
Lomond’s Scottish arm, DJ Alexander, the country’s largest lettings business, already covers major cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee. The addition of Margaret Duffus Leasing will increase its market share and strengthen its presence in Aberdeen, known as the Granite City.
Founded 27 years ago by Margaret Duffus to meet rental demand driven by the oil industry boom, the family-run agency is now led by her daughter, Sarah Harley.
The business has maintained a people-focused ethos while adapting to a shifting lettings market. Lomond believes DJ Alexander’s scale and approach make it the ideal partner for this next phase.
PERFECT FIT
Kevin Fraser, Managing Director of DJ Alexander, says: “Our acquisition strategy in Scotland focuses on identifying thriving businesses operating in the most attractive, high-growth markets.
“Margaret Duffus Leasing fits the brief perfectly, with a loyal client base and strong ties to Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. We look forward to welcoming them to DJ Alexander.”
And David Alexander, Chief Revenue Officer of Lomond, adds: “Having once built my business independently prior to joining Lomond, I can attest to the many benefits of being part of the Group, and I look forward to welcoming Margaret Duffus Leasing and its clients on board.”
Sarah Harley, Owner and Director of Margaret Duffus Leasing, says: “As a family enterprise founded by my mother, the business has always been close to our hearts.
“After careful consideration, it’s clear that DJ Alexander’s scale, resources and commitment to service, make it best placed to support the future needs of our clients amidst the changing lettings landscape.”
