Lomond has expanded into Bristol with the acquisition of 12-branch estate and lettings agency Ocean Property Services Group.
The deal establishes a new regional hub for Lomond in the South West and adds a business spanning residential sales, lettings, property management, conveyancing and financial services.
Ocean was founded in Bristol 42 years ago and has grown from a single branch in Bishopston to a network covering Bristol and North Somerset.
The acquisition forms part of Lomond’s strategy of building regional property businesses across key UK cities through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.
NEW BRISTOL HUB
Ocean will become Lomond’s hub brand for Bristol, giving the group an established platform from which to pursue further growth across the region.
Rob Mott (main picture, inset), Chief Revenue Officer at Lomond, says: “Ocean is a highly respected brand with a 40-year heritage, a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence.
“We’ve long recognised Bristol as a critical market for our national growth plans, and we were committed to identifying a business with both scale and deep local roots.
“Ocean’s addition as a new hub brand greatly enhances our presence in the South West, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome the Ocean team and clients into the group, support their continued success and build on the strong legacy they have created over four decades.”
42-YEAR HISTORY
Ocean founder Paul Harris says: “After founding the business 42 years ago, I am extremely proud of what Ocean has today become. I leave behind a business with a strong brand, great people and valued clients and wish everyone well on the next chapter.”
Chris McLaughlin, Director at Ocean, says retaining the agency’s local identity was an important consideration in selecting a new owner.
He adds: “Ocean has always been a Bristol business, built by local people with a passion for serving local communities.
“As we looked ahead to the next chapter, finding the right partner that shared those ambitions was essential.
“Lomond recognises the strength of what we’ve built and gives us the platform to keep improving, innovating and growing, without losing what makes Ocean, Ocean.”
