Talks are described as at an ‘advanced stage’ between two of the best names in the agency world. Lane Fox, a relative newcomer, is in merger talks with Strutt & Parker who were founded over 120 years ago to create a 50 office rival to the biggest national firms. The new company, if the deal is completed would be the 12th largest agency in the country.
“It’s early days but we are working hard to get a deal” said Henry Holland-Hibbet, director of Lane Fox. “Strutts strong residential business is obviously something that we think would fit extremely well with the Lane Fox residential business but their commercial and agricultural businesses would give a combined business huge influence”.
This is a move that will clearly close the gap on both Savills and Knight Frank who have dominated the top of the residential market for years. Lane Fox offices in London and Strutt & Parkers country network would create a new and significant player in the market.
And the new name…..?
7-1 Strutt Fox
10-1 LFSP
20-1 Something totally new.