The owners of Martin & Co’s Exeter franchise have acquired Cooksleys Estate Agents, doubling the size of their operation two years after entering the property industry.
Rosie and Nik Davey purchased both the lettings management portfolio and sales operation from Cooksleys, representing their first acquisition since taking over the Martin & Co franchise at the beginning of 2024.
Expansion plans
The acquisition expands the couple’s portfolio, which includes properties ranging from city-centre studios to countryside family homes, student accommodation and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across the Exeter area.
Nik Davey indicated the business remains open to further acquisitions. “We would love to grow even more in the future,” he said. “If the right fit for our business comes along, we would definitely look at further acquisitions.”
Penny Sanders, Group Franchise Services Director at The Property Franchise Group (TPFG), Martin & Co’s parent company, commented: “Acquisitions like this are an excellent way for franchise owners to accelerate growth while strengthening their presence in their local market.”
Toby Phillips, Managing Director at Martin & Co, said the acquisition reflects the performance of the Exeter branch under its new ownership. “Nik and Rosie have made a fantastic start since taking over the Exeter office, and this acquisition is a great example of their ambition and commitment to growing the business,” he stated.
Market context
The acquisition comes as franchised estate agency models continue to expand across the UK property market, with established networks supporting franchisees through business development and acquisition opportunities.
The deal follows a trend of consolidation in the estate agency sector, where established operators have been acquiring smaller independent agencies to expand their market share in specific regions.