AN ESTATE agent which opened its first office in York 22 years ago before growing to more than 100 branches has merged with another firm.

Hunters Property Group, which has an office in Colliergate and 104 others nationwide, has merged with Hunters Group Limited, based in the West Midlands.

The two businesses will combine to conduct around 10,000 sales and lettings transactions annually.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director and co-founder of Hunters Property Group and John Ozwell, founder and chairman of Hunters Group Limited released a joint statement on the news, stating: “We are delighted to be able to unify the Hunters name under a single business.

“We have been friends and admirers of each other’s businesses for many years and are very excited about the potential that Hunters has to become a huge brand in estate agency across the UK.”

Mr Hollinrake continued: “As we continue to grow our company, this is an important strategic merger that is designed to complement our existing network.

“Hunters Group Limited brings a wealth of experience and diverse specialisms and will reinforce our strength across the Midlands housing market, adding to the branches we already have in Harborne and Stourbridge.

“The investment into Hunters Group Limited marks the latest effort to boost Hunters coverage and success in the residential market, both across the Midlands and nationwide.”

The expanded network will now have 112 branches, with bosses at Hunters expecting to have more than 140 offices by the end of the year with a plan for further growth to around 500 offices in five years time.