Linley & Simpson, which already has a network of 11 offices across Yorkshire, has taken over the entire rental portfolio of fellow independent agency, the York Property Company.

The deal – completed for an undisclosed sum – will see all the properties formerly managed by the York Property Company’s office in Stonegate merge into Linley & Simpson’s branch in Micklegate. 

The York Property Company was established in 2004, letting and managing accommodation in York and surrounding areas as well as providing for students at the University of York, York St John University, The Law College, Askham Bryan College and those studying at some of the smaller colleges in York. Its current owners, Martin and Pauline Cooper, are retiring. 

The acquisition is the fifth since Linley & Simpson secured a £1.8m funding package through Santander. It plans to use the funding to double the size of its business over the next three years through more acquisitions and developing a sales service. 

When it launched, Linley & Simpson operated two offices and employed just four staff. Now it employs 155 staff.