Laing + Simmons bought by their top network members
Laing+Simmons Corporation has been purchased by a partnership comprising members of the company’s head office team.
The likes of managing director Leanne Pilkington, who is also the president of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, and some of the network’s highest-profile and longest-serving principals including D’Leanne Lewis, Ray Fayad and Nicholas Efrossynis, are part of the buying syndicate.
The New South Wales-based boutique real estate franchise, which has a total of 43 offices in metro and regional NSW, was bought from the Dexar Group for an undisclosed sum.
Leanne Pilkington said the purchase by members of the network demonstrates the value and belief in the brand.
“The purchase of Laing+Simmons by network members highlights the confidence we have in the business and the potential for growth we see in the future.
"When the opportunity to acquire Laing+Simmons arose, the demand among franchisees was strong and the offer was fully subscribed quickly, demonstrating the belief in the brand,” Ms Pilkington said.
“Laing+Simmons has been a fixture in the New South Wales real estate landscape since 1967. We recognise the industry is undergoing rapid evolution, which means franchising needs to evolve as well.
“No-one is better placed to understand the needs of today’s business owners than agency principals, who operate at the coal face every day.
“The new shareholding group is very diverse, in relation to age, location and of course gender. This will ensure a holistic direction is set for the business which welcomes and benefits a broader demographic of network partners and their teams.
“This diversity will underpin our future growth as we look to grow the Laing+Simmons network in select metropolitan and regional locations in 2021 and beyond.
“This internal acquisition means we have skin in the game. We believe so strongly in the brand that we acquired it. Our future partners and office principals can be confident in our commitment to support them and the growth of their business with a view to helping them create a long-term asset for the future.
“The ambitions of ownership, our existing franchisees and those we welcome in the future are completely aligned. This provides us a solid platform for future growth,” she said.