Legat Owen joins forces with Lamont

Chester agent Legat Owen has acquired Nantwich-based Lamont Commercial to create a firm of 37 staff. Both firms’ founders, Peter Owen, and Neil Lamont, will step down and take on consultancy roles.

The business will continue to operate from both offices. Legat Owen employed 31 in Chester and Lamont six in Nantwich. The new firm will trade as Legat Owen (incorporating Lamont).

The takeover includes a number of promotions and managerial changes. Lamont’s Matthew Pochin has been promoted to director of industrial agency; Mark Atherton to director of building surveying; James Lutton takes on the role of director of retail agency’ and Will Sadler is promoted to director of office agency. Andy Butler is promoted to director of the Nantwich office.

Sam Tarjomani takes on the role of associate director of valuation and Karen Kilcourse is promoted to associate of the Nantwich office. Jon Hardie, building surveying, and Heather Johnston, office agency, are appointed to the role of senior surveyor.

Sue Harris steps down as director and as head of Legat Owen’s management department but will also retain a consultancy role.

Peter Johnston, head of the newly shaped practice, said: “This merger brings together two dynamic and well-respected companies that have a very similar approach to business, taking pride in our commitment to personal service and long-standing client relationships, some of which we share. By merging we will succeed in retaining our independence, strengthen our core business and broaden our client base.”

Neil Lamont, a well-known figure in the Cheshire property scene, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago. He recently underwent major surgery to insert electrodes into his brain in a treatment called deep brain stimulation.

Ben Lamont, Neil’s son, joined Legat Owen at the start of this year in the land and development team.