OBI branches out into Warrington with acquisition
Warrington-based BE Group’s agency operation has been bought by the Manchester consultancy for an undisclosed sum.
BE Group director Simon Roddam will continue to run what is now effectively OBI’s Warrington division. Fellow directors Vince Sandwell and Jos Baxendell will take on consultancy roles.
Meanwhile, Sandwell will continue to own and lead BE Group’s consultancy business specialising in planning, regeneration and economic development advice throughout the UK.
The deal saw OBI acquire shares from Sandwell, Roddam, and Baxendell and will allow the firm to branch out into Warrington’s agency market, which has been dominated by BE Group in recent years.
It is estimated that BE Group, based in Birchwood Park, is involved in 80% of sq ft transacted across Warrington every year.
Recent deals include an 8,450 sq ft letting to Lovell Homes at Orbit Developments’ Daten Park and the sale of a 10,300 sq ft building at The Parks in Haydock to Remarkable Autism.
“Vince, Simon, and Jos have built a remarkably strong brand and loyal client base over the years and are the stand-out advisors in their respective market,” said Will Lewis, founder and managing director of OBI.
“We can’t wait to support Simon and the team with the infrastructure to continue the success of the business and will look to integrate the business into OBI in due course. There are obvious synergies from a culture and client perspective, and a clear opportunity for other OBI disciplines to further support the success of the transaction services already being provided.”
OBI’s Warrington division will continue to trade under the BE Group brand for a transitional period.
Vince Sandwell, director at BE Group said the two firms are aligned in their approach.
“We see this as a great fit for the agency business,” he said. “Finding a company with a similar outlook and ethos to ours was always a priority and we know that Will and his colleagues will take the business forward positively.
“With the BE Group I can turn my attention to continuing to deliver economic development and strategic planning advice to our public sector and private sector clients that stretch across England and Wales.”
Roddam added: “The team is really excited to continue the next chapter of the business with the new support we are looking forward to continuing to serve our amazing client base and grow the business into new service lines.
“Our clients will experience no change and we are enthused for what the future has to offer. I’d like to thank Vince and Jos for all their support over the years and it’s great we will continue to work together in the consultancy roles moving forward”.
Kuits Solicitors represented OBI with support from Sedulo. Aaron and Partners and WPS Advisory advised BE Group.
strange one this not sure what to make of it
By George T
Never saw this one coming…….
By Mystic Meg
Congratulations to OBI and BE Group – both the best at what they do in their respective markets so bringing them together will produce a formidable force! Great people all round.
By Well done
I assume this is all about OBI getting stuck in to Birchwood Park.
By I guess
Two market leading outfits in their respective markets supported by great teams on both sides.
Good luck to both OBi and OBe going forward!
By Seems Sensible