Hunters Exeter announces growth with acquisition of local agency

Hunters, one of the country’s leading estate agencies with over 200 branches nationwide, is continuing its expansion with the acquisition of Forte Lettings & Property Management Limited in Exeter, Devon.

The Hunters Exeter branch has acquired Forte’s portfolio of fully managed properties as well as its properties currently on the market for sale, strengthening Hunters’ presence as one of the leading agents in the area. Owned and operated by franchise partner Anthony Thomas, Hunters Exeter has been trading since 2013 with a strong market share and a reputation for excellence in both sales and lettings.

The acquisition is part of a financial support scheme offered to Hunters franchise partners by the AIM listed Hunters, which has already seen 15 deals take place across the country. 

Andy Bushell, Franchise Director of Hunters added, “As a franchisor, we are really pleased to be able to support our franchise partners with acquisitions of this kind in order to help grow their businesses. If you are looking to sell your sales or lettings business, or parts of the business such as a lettings portfolio, do get in touch with your local Hunters or the franchise team.”

Founded by owner Kim Forte, the acquired business has been established in Exeter since 2014 during which Kim and her team built a successful agency.  Due to changes in Kim’s personal circumstances, with the welcome news of a family addition, Kim decided to sell the business whilst at the same time agreeing to join Hunters in order to ensure continuity of customer relationships and optimum service.

Director of Hunters Exeter Anthony Thomas commented: “We are thrilled with this acquisition and look forward to working with our new customers from Forte. Kim and I have crossed paths over the last few years and have worked together successfully on a multi-agency basis for several properties. We share the same values, that our clients are key and customer care is of upmost importance. We look forward to welcoming all of Forte’s customers and to providing a high level of service to all existing and new landlords and tenants.
“We also welcome both Kim and Lettings Negotiator Sara Scott-Hake into the Hunters team in Exeter, who will help ensure continuity for all of Forte’s customers.  It’s an exciting time for us at Hunters and a really positive development for our market presence in Exeter which is going from strength to strength”.

The Hunters franchise team can be contacted on franchising@hunters.com