Carlisle-based H&H Group Plc has expanded the geographical coverage of its property and rural agency business with the acquisition of Smeatons Estate Agency and Lettings Agency.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed fee, sees Smeatons and its ten members of staff amalgamate with H&H Group’s existing estate agencies, H&H King in the north of the county, and Michael C L Hodgson, in the south.

The move will bolster the group’s presence in the northern Lake District and West Cumbria, where Smeatons has established a strong foothold since it was established more than 30 years ago.

H&H Group said the acquisition would provide greater access to its estate and land agency business across Smeatons’ significant patch, and allow it to provide additional services to sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants and landowners.

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group, said: “We have taken significant strides in expanding our estate and land agency businesses over the last few years and are delighted to confirm the acquisition of this successful business.

“Smeatons is a well-respected company that has served the local community with professionalism and integrity, and this represents the kind of business that H&H stands for.

“With such solid foundations, our aim is to meet the expectations of customers with an even greater competitiveness.

“We are confident that we will be able to add value to the current business model, and also add our specialist land agency services to support the rural and farming sectors in the Keswick and Cockermouth areas.”

Smeatons offers sales, lettings, commercial and surveying services from offices in Cockermouth and Keswick. 

It was established by chartered surveyor Robert Smeaton and his wife Marie.

Mr Smeaton said: “H&H operate highly successful land and property businesses and I believe that this acquisition is a natural fit for both us as a company and for the needs of our customers going forward.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the H&H team, going forward, myself and Marie and would like to thank everyone we have worked with over the years for their support.”

H&H Land and Property now has more than 60 staff in a range of professional rural and property services working across the north of England and southern Scotland.

The business is headed up by managing director Colin Tomlinson.