Countrywide starts merging and rebranding its agencies

Countrywide has started the formal process of merging and rebranding some of its existing local chains, beginning with London. 

John D Wood & Co is merging with Faron Sutaria - the latter has been a distinct brand in London’s sales and lettings market for 40 years. 

Estate Agent Today has already reported that at least one FS office has closed with its stock being handled by John D Wood, and reported just under a year ago that Countrywide was to undertake a major appraisal of its individual brands.

Faron Sutaria’s Chiswick branch has already relocated into the neighbouring John D Wood & Co office. During the rest of the year, Faron Sutaria’s offices in Lower Sloane Street, Earls Court, Fulham Broadway, Islington, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington will be rebranded. 

In addition, a string of other London and Home Counties brands - Alan de Maid, Hetheringtons, Vanet, Fitz-Gibbon, APW Lettings and CHK Mountford -  will be rebranded as being “part of John D Wood & Co.” 

The news was released last evening through John D Wood rather than through the corporate Countrywide bureaucracy.

JDW’s managing director, Ben Taylor, says: “We are bringing together a family of innovative, bespoke and personal estate agency brands to create a London powerhouse to serve our discerning client base.  We are taking the best practice from each company and combining this with the in depth knowledge, professionalism and excellent customer service our whole team delivers.  

“This is a very exciting time for John D Wood & Co and for our customers who will benefit from our increased size and strength.  Expect to see a lot of activity over the coming months.”