Open House has completed the first deal through its Assisted Acquisitions Programme, with Warrington franchisees Kane and Debi Platt acquiring established local agency Halton Kelly.
The deal is the first completed acquisition under the programme, which has been designed to help Open House franchisees expand by buying estate and letting agencies and managed property portfolios.
It also marks the first acquisition of this type since Open House became part of Sourced Property Group earlier this year.
Halton Kelly has operated in Warrington for more than 25 years and will now trade as Halton Kelly, powered by Open House.
LOCAL OWNERSHIP
Kane and Debi Platt, who operate Open House Warrington, will take ownership of the business.
Existing owner Simon Kelly will remain actively involved following the acquisition, providing continuity for existing clients while the business moves under its new ownership.
The Assisted Acquisitions Programme is intended to provide Open House franchisees with another route to expansion beyond organic growth.
Stephen Moss, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sourced Property Group, says: “The programme creates a new route to growth for ambitious franchisees while giving established agency owners an opportunity to plan the next chapter of their businesses.
“In this case, Kane and Debi are stepping into ownership while Simon remains actively involved. That provides continuity for the business and its clients while bringing fresh ambition and the backing of the wider Open House network.”
MORE DEALS PLANNED
Moss says the acquisition is intended to be the first of further deals through the programme.
“This is the first acquisition completed through the programme, but it reflects our wider ambition to create more acquisition opportunities for Open House franchisees across the UK.”
Debi Platt adds: “Being part of Open House gives us the best of both worlds. We can retain the personal, local approach and in-depth knowledge our clients value while benefiting from the support, expertise and reach of a national network.
“Our ambition is to build on the relationships already established within the community and take the business forward while keeping it locally owned and operated.”
