Merger deal for Shropshire estate agencies

A brace of independent Shropshire estate agencies have announced a merger deal.

Samuel Wood and Mannleys have joined forces to create Mannleys Group and say they now plan more expansion across the region including possible further acquisition deals.

Samuel Wood, which was founded in 1995, has built a presence across Shrewsbury, Ludlow and South Shropshire while Mannleys covers Telford and the surrounding markets.

The businesses will now be known as Mannleys in Telford, Mannleys with Samuel Wood in Shrewsbury and Samuel Wood with Mannleys in Ludlow and Craven Arms.

The new-look firm will be led by co-directors of Samuel Wood Russell Griffin and Andrew Cadwallader and co-directors Aaron Manley and Chris Mann who founded Mannleys in 2016.

There are no planned redundancies nor office closures. Directors described the move as a "long-term investment in the regional property market, designed to enhance service rather than consolidate operations".

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

They said the immediate priorities for Mannleys Group included integration of systems and services, enhanced regional marketing reach and the launch of a new combined website later this year.

Looking further ahead, the group has outlined ambitions for continued brand development, ongoing investment in digital marketing and people and the exploration of further acquisitions across Shropshire and neighbouring areas.

Mr Mann said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Mannleys to join forces with Samuel Wood.

"Both independent and respected businesses share similar values and a strong commitment to service and, by working together, we can create a more proactive and ambitious company for sellers, landlords and tenants across Shropshire and the wider region.

"By combining our teams and experience, we are building a business with genuine momentum and clear ambitions for further growth."

Sign up for our FREE email newsletters here

Mr Cadwallader added: "This merger will create a progressive, forward-thinking property business built for the future.

"By combining our strengths, we are creating a more dynamic and capable company, with improved coverage and greater resources to support our clients.

"We are particularly excited about the opportunities this creates for growth across the region and the ability to continue building a modern, forward-thinking agency that remains firmly focused on service and results.

"We also see this as a platform for future acquisitions and continued growth across Shropshire and neighbouring areas.

"The group will be better positioned to showcase Shropshire homes to a broader audience and support sellers and landlords with an enhanced service."