Lomond Group gains presence in major historical city

Agency acquirer the Lomond Group has further extended its national footprint after targeting a burgeoning city in North West England for its latest deal.

Through its fast-expanding Thornley Groves brand, it has bought Matthews of Chester - equipping it with a dedicated presence in the historic city for the first time.

The deal sees Matthews’ rental portfolio of 380 properties, a growing residential sales arm, plus a team of more than 12 people, all transfer to Thornley Groves.

It will retain the Matthews of Chester brand and its branch in the heart of the city at Lower Bridge Street. 

The letting and property management teams will remain in Chester to make sure the level of customer service and local support to its landlords is maintained.

This increases the number of offices operated by Thornley Groves alongside its recently-acquired sister agency, Julian Wadden and Company, to 15. 

Thornley Groves chief executive Jason Watkin said: “Matthews of Chester is one of the city’s longest-established lettings specialists and has built up an impressive portfolio and a reputation to match

“With its Roman walls, Chester - the county town of Cheshire - continues to be an in-demand location for renters and buyers alike. It has long been a target location for us as we continue to accelerate at scale and at pace our operations across swathes of North West England.

“We are thrilled to gain such a strong foothold in this thriving city by acquiring a counterpart that has been the pulse of its lettings market since it first opened its doors in 1986.

“It shares our strong local roots and heritage. Both of us have been matching people and property in this sought-after region of the UK for over 30 years, so it's a perfect match.”

Family-run Matthews of Chester was launched and managed by Tim and Sue Matthew until their retirement in 2012. 

Since then, it has been run by daughter Rebecca and husband Kevin O’ Reilley, who have now also chosen to retire after completing the smooth handover of their business to Thornley Groves. 

Both Tim and Rebecca are former chairs of the Chester Association of Auctioneers, Estate Agents and Surveyors.