National real estate adviser LSH has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Ryden, the leading Scottish, north of England and London real estate adviser,.
The stake acquisition comes exactly two days after LSH confirmed it had formed a similar strategic partnership with South-East England-based consultancy Stiles Harold Williams (SHW).
LSH said the strategic partnerships are "key milestones in LSH’s growth journey, enhancing its national reach and deepening its client service capabilities".
It said the latest deal brings together the regional expertise of all three firms, creating new career opportunities for the 1,600 professionals working in the combined businesses.
Both Ryden and SHW will retain their brands while gaining full access to LSH’s nationwide network of 30 offices.
LSH chief executive Ezra Nahome said in a statement: “Ryden’s reputation in Scotland is second-to-none, which is why this partnership makes so much sense as LSH seeks to grow to become the UK’s leading commercial advisory firm. Both businesses pride ourselves on our client focus, commercial insight, and commitment to delivering results through strong local relationships."
Alan Gilkison, managing partner of Ryden, said: “The businesses are an excellent fit in terms of geographical coverage and areas of expertise. The investment will allow us to develop our core strengths and expand into emerging sectors. There is a common desire to deliver growth, achieve key expansion targets and extend client services, while retaining Ryden's strong reputation in Scotland. It also represents an excellent opportunity for our English business to grow more rapidly as part of a larger, established brand in the north of England and to work collaboratively across the regions.”
Ryden is a commercial property consultancy of 150 people operating across the UK from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Leeds, London and Manchester. The team of chartered surveyors and planners delivers a full range services to property owners, occupiers, developers and investors. Cross-discipline teams work on a regional and national basis. It also advises on public sector property, residential property and development land.
Turnover in its results for full-year to end of March 2024 was £12.427 million down slightly from £12.889 million in the previous year, while operating profit was £5.168 million up from £4.718 million.
LSH is owned by Skipton Building Society and residential agency Connells Group. The group, which is led by chief executive Ezra Nahome, was bought by Skipton-backed Connells at the start of 2021. It is one of the UK and Ireland's largest property consultancies with 30 offices and over 1,000 staff.
(Updated to correct date of SHW deal).