LRG, a prominent estate agency group, has announced the acquisition of Doolittle & Dalley, a long-established Midlands firm with a history spanning more than 130 years. The acquisition sees the historic family-owned business, which offers residential sales, lettings, commercial lettings, and block management services, integrate into LRG's expansive national network. All Doolittle & Dalley employees will join LRG, and the brand will continue to operate under its familiar name, preserving its local identity.
Founded in the late 19th century, Doolittle & Dalley has remained under the continuous ownership of the same family for generations, with members still actively involved in the company. Richard Hall, a director at Doolittle & Dalley, highlighted the firm's long-standing focus on local knowledge and client relationships. He stated that the priority in considering the business's future was to find a stable and strong long-term home that would support both staff and clients.
This latest transaction reinforces LRG's strategic approach of expanding its presence through targeted acquisitions of established regional and specialist businesses. The group aims to leverage the scale and resources of LRG while allowing acquired agencies to maintain their local brands, management expertise, and market recognition. Matthew Light, LRG's group mergers and acquisitions director, commented that the strong reputation and local relationships built by Doolittle & Dalley over decades were key factors in attracting LRG to the business.
The Doolittle & Dalley deal follows other recent acquisitions by LRG, including the independent London estate agency Farrar & Co and Chelsea-based Principia Estate and Asset Management. Farrar & Co, established in the 1950s and operating in Fulham and Chelsea, also retains its brand and employees, with co-director Julian Chambers remaining with the business. Principia, which manages around 250 residential buildings, many in high-value London conservation areas, has similarly kept its brand and leadership team.
LRG's growing portfolio now encompasses approximately 340 high street branches operating under 27 distinct agency brands across the UK. The group's strategy of acquiring and integrating well-regarded local firms, while preserving their identities, reflects a broader trend in the property sector where larger entities seek to consolidate market share and offer a wider range of services under a diversified brand umbrella. This approach allows for centralised support and investment while maintaining the local expertise and trust that smaller, established agencies have cultivated over many years.