OBI acquire BE Group’s Agency Services Business

OBI has confirmed the acquisition of the Birchwood based BE Group’s agency business, the largest brokerage and agency firm in the Warrington region. Vince Sandwell will continue to own and lead BE Group’s consultancy business specialising in planning, regeneration and economic development advice throughout the UK.

OBI has purchased the agency services that account for circa 80% of sq ft transacted across the Warrington office market.

OBI acquired the shares from Vince Sandwell, Jos Baxendell and Simon Roddam for an undisclosed sum. Simon will become part of OBI and will continue to lead the Warrington agency business whilst Vince and Jos will take up consultancy roles. Vince will continue to lead BE Group’s consultancy business serving  local authorities, government agencies and private sector property organisations.

Will Lewis of OBI comments “We have known the BE team for some 20 years and have always had a great relationship. 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. 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 clients perspective, and a clear opportunity for other OBI disciplines to further support the success of the transaction services already being provided.”

OBI will trade under the BE Group brand for a transitional period.

Vince Sandwell of BE Group said “We see this as a great fit for the agency business. 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

Simon Roddam who has joined OBI but will continue to lead the Warrington operation said: “The team are 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’ corporate team led by Kate Gledhill and supported by Olivia McConvey and Darcy MacMillan represented OBI. Employment advice was provided By James Howarth at Kuits and Sedulo also represented to OBI on the transaction.  Aaron and Partners and WPS Advisory advised BE Group.