With a career in the UK property market spanning more than 30 years, Julie Drake is now a specialist in the sale of estate agencies.
Formerly associate director at Savills, where she headed up their new homes team in the South West until 2011, Drake is currently a business sales broker and management consultant at Adam J Walker and Associates Limited.
As a broker Drake has been responsible for the sale of a high number of agency businesses, and so is well-positioned to comment on those companies in our industry who are actively looking to expand through acquisitions, and she has identified one company in particular that is actively eyeing growth, with plenty of potential deals in the pipeline.
Commenting after it was announced yesterday that Carlton Estate Agents was sold to Martyn Gerrard, a deal that was brokered by Drake, she said that this could very well be the first acquisition of many this year for the north London estate agency.
Drake said: “There was keen interest in this business [Carlton Estate Agents] with many disappointed buyers. Martyn Gerrard are in acquisition mode, and this is likely to be the first purchase of many.
“Martyn Gerrard are particularly excited to be taking over this every prestigious business in particular, giving them a strong presence in the area.”
It has been a busy period for Adam J Walker and Associates Limited, which has brokered hundreds of business deals over the years. The company was also involved in Connells Group’s purchase of Aspire in west London, which was also announced yesterday.
Commenting on the sale, managing director, Adam Walker, said “This is a big acquisition for Connells Group and it shows that they are back on the acquisitions trail with a vengeance. It will play a key role in strengthening John D Wood’s market share in the important London market. There was very stiff competition to buy Aspire and everyone is pleased that Connells won the tender.”
Estate agency expands with purchase of well-established company
