District Estates hires Legat Owen investment director

Smith Nicholas, a wholly owned subsidiary of the District Estates, a privately owned Chester based property investment company, has appointed Ian Davies as investment director.

Davies previously worked at Legat Owen for 26 years where he was responsible for investment agency and was also a director of the company.

Nigel Anderton, managing director of Smith Nicholas, said: "We have had a close working relationship with Ian over many years and I am delighted to welcome him to our team where he will join Andrew Mills and Alan Bennett who together will manage the portfolio and investment strategy of the District Estates Group going forward."

The District Estates group of companies is a privately owned property company established in 1917 and having its headquarters in Chester. Their holdings are nationwide ranging from Carlisle in the north to Reading in the south and with extensive holdings throughout the North West, Yorkshire, Midlands and North Wales.

The investment holdings include retail units in Manchester, Liverpool and Chester, industrials in Bredbury, Trafford Park and Crewe, offices in Altrincham, Warrington, Chester and Wokingham along with residential holdings throughout the Wirral and Liverpool.

The company employs eight staff and has a portfolio valued well in excess of £100m.

Peter Owen, founder of Legat Owen, added: "We wish Ian well in this exciting new opportunity for him, and our company looks forward to continuing our close working relationship with all at the District Estates Group."