Chancellors

Chancellors Group Holdings Limited (Chancellors), has been acquired by LRG (previously Leaders Romans Group), in a deal supported by our Corporate Finance team, which marks LRG’s largest acquisition to date.

Chancellors is a leading independent estate agency business operating in 50+ locations across West London, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Mid Wales, supported by 480 strong team of experts.

A prominent name in the UK property market, Chancellors was founded in 1807 by James Cain. The independently run business has expanded significantly, and offers a comprehensive suite of services, including residential sales, lettings and new homes. With a strong presence across the Home Counties and beyond, Chancellors supports a wide range of clients, from first-time buyers and experienced investors to landlords and tenants.

Our Corporate Finance team, led by Partner Bilal Hasan and supported by Senior Managers Nick Wright and Patrick Starrett was appointed by the shareholders to advise on its sale based on the team’s strong sector credentials. Our team conducted a full sales process including leading discussions with potential buyers, managing negotiations, and guiding all stakeholders through the process to completion. 

Chancellor’s acquisition significantly expands LRG’s reach in existing and new markets, fuelling its ongoing growth strategy. Notably, this acquisition establishes LRG’s presence in Mid Wales, Herefordshire, South Oxfordshire, and the Cotswolds, regions where it previously had no representation. The Chancellors brand will be retained due to its strong local heritage and Robert Scott-Lee, Managing Director at Chancellors, will continue as a consultant during the transition, ensuring a smooth handover.

Bilal Hasan, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance said: “This is a fantastic transaction for all concerned and another testament of our deal-making expertise. Chancellors is one of the largest independent brands in the UK with strong presence in London and the SE. With its highly automated digital business model coupled with a strong lettings portfolio the Business attracted strong interest but it was clear from the outset that LRG, another Thames Valley headquartered business, was the best partner.”

Matthew Light, Group Mergers and Acquisitions Director at LRG, commented: “The acquisition of Chancellors, with its 50+ branches, is our largest to date and a prime example of the type of business we are looking to acquire. We focus on acquiring prolific regional agencies with strong local reputations, established multi-branch networks, and significant lettings portfolios. Chancellors perfectly fits this profile, strengthening our market share and expanding our geographic reach.”

Robert Scott-Lee, Managing Director of Chancellors said: “FRP Corporate Finance came highly recommended to us, and they truly delivered on their reputation as leading advisers with in-depth sector knowledge. Their team was available throughout the transaction, offering support at every step. We’re extremely pleased with the result and are confident we’ve found the perfect home for the business to thrive.”

Michael Cook, Chief Executive Officer at LRG, commented: “Chancellors joining the LRG team is a fantastic way to start 2025 and a significant step in our five-year growth strategy. Chancellors is an established business, with a significant property management portfolio and a brand with great heritage. Their expertise perfectly complements our existing offerings, and we are particularly excited to establish a presence in new markets like Mid Wales, Herefordshire, South Oxfordshire, and the Cotswolds, expanding our reach and providing our services to a broader client base. We’re delighted to welcome the whole Chancellors team to the LRG family and look forward to a successful partnership.”