International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised a leading estate and letting agency acquirer on its largest acquisition to date with the purchase of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward (KFH), a London agency operating across more than 60 branches within the capital, including in many of the city's most densely populated boroughs.

Established more than 45 years ago, KFH offers a comprehensive range of services to the nation's capital, including property management, build to rent, block management, surveying, and financial services. With this acquisition, Lomond will now become the largest agency in the London property market.

The acquisition, which has now completed following FCA approval, firmly underlines Lomond's strategic growth plans, and is the first purchase by the organisation since its significant investment from global asset manager ICG.

A WBD team led by partner Simon Pilling and managing associate David Ridley advised Lomond on the deal, with additional support from associate Will Reynolds and solicitor Alex Dolling on corporate matters.

The firm is a consistent advisor on acquisitions for Lomond, supporting them on the investment from ICG, as well as their first foray into the London market with the acquisition of Chase Evans in 2024 and the acquisition of Kent-based agency Miles & Barr, meaning the organisation now manages more than 60,000 properties across the UK.

Simon Pilling said: 

"This acquisition aligns excellently with Lomond's continued growth strategy and desire to embed within the London market, and our team is proud to have once again supported Lomond on this transaction.

"As with many of Lomond's acquisitions, the business' strategic needs and considerations played a significant part of this deal, and we're thrilled to have supported once again in what has been an exceptionally busy period for the business from a transactional perspective. We look forward to playing our part in helping Lomond continue to grow and achieve their strategic ambitions."

Ed Phillips, CEO of Lomond, said: 

"As our first acquisition under our new partnership with ICG, it’s a real statement of intent and I am delighted to have secured the acquisition of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward. KFH is a brand I’ve admired for many years in the London market and to have them part of Lomond underlines our ambitions for growth within London.

"The addition of 50+ London branches to our nationwide network, means we’re now able to directly refer buyers and investors from London to our brands across the country and vice versa – an exciting development for our marketing strategy and a key component of our journey to become the leading estate and lettings agency business in the country.

"Simon, David and the rest of the WBD team have again played a vital part in executing this transaction, and their combined M&A expertise and understanding of our business are valued greatly as we continue to position Lomond as a major market leader."