A firm run by the former commercial director of Countrywide has made its first large scale acquisition with the purchase of London and Home Counties agency Badger Holdings Group.

The Badger Holdings Group has a 26-branch network operating through two high street brands – Townends and Regents – and it has now been snapped up by Nick Dunning Associates, founded by Nick Dunning soon after leaving Countrywide plc. 

Dunning was formerly commercial director running the lettings division. A statement released by his company says that during his tenure at Countrywide he oversaw the acquisition of around 100 businesses throughout the UK.

Working with a leading private equity investor, Nick Dunning Associates says it now has the objective of becoming a significant player in the lettings agency sector and is actively looking to acquire further lettings focused agencies across the UK. 

The firm says it is open to working with established management teams who are prepared to stay with their business post-acquisition. 

“The Badger Holdings Group is an extremely well run business with an excellent reputation and a solid record of profitability. It is a great platform from which to grow our business in London and the Home Counties” says Dunning.

“We will be looking for the management team to drive growth organically in all its business divisions but also through strategic acquisitions and expanding their branch footprint” he adds.