Leeds based estate agent completes deal on industry taker-over

Linley & Simpson has acquired the residential sales and lettings business of Ilkley-headquartered Dale Eddison and bought the firm’s five offices in Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley, Silsden and Skipton to extend its presence across the sought-after Wharfe and Aire Valleys.

The Dale Eddison team of 43 staff – including directors Bill Dale, William Eddison and Gary Shankland – remain with the business.

Chief executive of Leeds-headquartered Linley & Simpson, Will Linley said: “This is a transformational deal that is a great fit for us strategically and geographically.

“This gives us the platform to add an extra dimension to the service we already offer in Ilkley, as well as taking us onto the High Street of neighbouring areas for the first time.

“We can now take advantage of more than four decades of collective estate agency expertise. Our sector is heading along a consolidation curve, where the scale of challenges ahead will ensure only the fittest survive and thrive.

The acquisition – completed for an undisclosed sum – is the eighth undertaken by Linley & Simpson this year, and the fourth to take place since Linley & Simpson secured funding from LDC, a mid-market private equity investor, in June to support and accelerate its growth strategy.

Will Linley and Ilkley’s Nick Simpson launched their agency 21 years ago with just two offices in Leeds - Horsforth and Roundhay. Now it employs a team of more than 220 staff.