My Property Box buys John Prest and Landlords 2

October 2024 was busy: My Property Box completed two deals in quick succession and more than 450 managed properties changed hands. Directors at both agencies were retiring.

One purchase brought a slice of Northallerton history into the group. John Prest opened in the town in 1926, established by W.L. Prest Senior together with his wife, first at Kelvin Terrace and, from 1932, at 65 High Street, where it has stayed ever since. Four generations of Prests have taken a turn at the helm. Directors John Prest and Mark, his son, chose to retire, and the firm became the group's 12th acquisition in six years. Clients noticed very little: the High Street premises remains open, the Prest name still hangs above the door, and both staff members stayed on, with experienced My Property Box manager Clare Bopari overseeing the branch.

The other deal was for Landlords 2 in Darlington, whose long-serving director, Tim Haigh, was also stepping back. Its Coniscliffe Road office has since closed and client services now run through My Property Box's central operation in the same town.

Ben Quaintrell, the group's founder and chief executive, described both as strategically useful: "These acquisitions are an important part of our strategy to strengthen our market presence across the North East and North Yorkshire. Both John Prest and Landlords 2 have a long-standing reputation for delivering excellent service, and we're excited to build on these foundations."

Shared values mattered as much as geography, he added: "What's particularly appealing about both businesses is that they share My Property Box's core values of integrity and trust. Their commitment to high standards mirrors our own, ensuring we can continue offering an exceptional experience for both landlords and tenants as we continue to grow."

For John Prest himself, handing over was a considered decision. He said: "Our family has proudly run this business across four generations, but after thoughtful consideration, we believed it was the right time to pass the baton. I'm pleased the trusted Prest name, along with our office and dedicated staff, will continue, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients."

Both transactions drew on the multi-million pound BGF investment completed three months previously.

Most owners who approach us have retirement in mind, and this pair of deals shows how well that can work: a respected name preserved, jobs protected, a tidy handover. If you want something similar, do get in touch.