Leading Auctioneers and Agents to Merge

25th June 2013

Frank Marshall
Wright Manley

Two of the North West's leading auctioneers and property specialists, Frank Marshall and Wright Manley have today announced their decision to merge the two businesses with effect from the 1st April 2014.

Trading as Wright Marshall LLP the new firm will continue to serve clients throughout the North West and nationally.

The new business will employ over 150 full and part-time staff with an annual turnover in excess of £50 million.

“This merger has come about following lengthy discussions between the two firms. Our aim is to create a major agricultural and land-based business hub serving this part of the country. We intend to use the merger as a springboard for expansion and growth of the new firm,” said Nigel Eckersley, Chairman of Wright Manley.

The new firm will continue to offer the full range of services currently provided, ranging from livestock, horticultural, machinery and fine art auctions through to residential, commercial and agricultural property sales, together with professional services.

“Our two businesses complement each other very well. There is no geographical overlap and together we can provide a stronger, more comprehensive service to our clients. We worked together well in 2007 and 2008 during the Bluetongue crisis and the synergy established then encouraged us to move towards a merger,” said Gwyn Williams of Frank Marshall.

Alongside the merger, the business will be applying for planning permission for a new market centre at Middlewich, as their lease on Chelford Market expires in 2015.

“We have spent several years looking for an appropriate site and are now in discussions with local authorities with the intention of applying for planning permission for the Middlewich site within the next few months,” added Mr Williams.

The creation of a new fine art division, bringing together the Marshall House saleroom and the Beeston saleroom run by Wright Manley, gives a greater presence and level within the region, whilst the 8 Professional and Estate Agency offices give an unrivalled geographical coverage.