National law firm Clarke Willmott has acted for Bristol’s largest independent estate agency on its acquisition by national property group Lomond.
Founded in 1983 by Paul Harris, Ocean Property Services Group, now operates 12 branches across the city and surrounding areas and employs more than 150 people.
“Being involved in the sale of a business with such a long and successful history in Bristol was a real privilege for our us,” says Simon Thomas, partner and managing director of the commercial division at Clarke Willmott, who led on the deal.
“Paul and his team had built an impressive business over more than four decades, and we were pleased to provide legal advice and support throughout the transaction.
“The deal marks an important milestone for Ocean, and we wish them every success for the future.”
Simon Thomas was supported on the deal by Clarke Willmott colleagues, corporate solicitor Raluca Larion and commercial property partner Alexandria Kittlety.
Ocean will continue trading under its existing name, providing residential sales, lettings, property management, conveyancing and financial services.
“Simon and the Clarke Willmott team were excellent throughout the acquisition,” said Paul Harris, who set up Ocean at the age of 23 from a single office in Bishopston.
“They understood what was important to me and to Ocean, and their advice and support gave me great confidence as we worked through the deal.
“I’m very grateful to Simon, Raluca, Alex and everyone at Clarke Willmott for the professional and personal way they handled what was an important step for me and the business.”
The deal marks another milestone in Lomond’s UK expansion strategy, which has seen it complete more than 70 acquisitions and grow to more than 150 branches.
The acquisition strengthens its presence in Bristol and the wider South West, establishing a new regional hub for the group.
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
