Two independent property consultancies have announced a merger to create one of the largest providers of multi-disciplinary property services in the UK, with a turnover approaching £60 million and 29 offices.
Fisher German – which has an office in Chester – and Matthews & Goodman have joined forces, combining their 750 employees into a single firm which will retain the Fisher German name.
The announcement comes after negotiations between the two firms reached their final stages following months of positive discussions.
Matthews & Goodman, established almost 160 years ago, is a multi-disciplinary commercial property consultancy specialising in acquisition and disposal of property assets, building consultancy, business rates, investment, lease consultancy, property management and valuation.
It employs around 80 people in Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, London and Manchester with a turnover of almost £9 million.
Fisher German’s property management, consultancy and advisory services cover the full property spectrum including commercial, rural, development, residential, sustainable energy, and infrastructure.
The firm advises on and manages a wide range of client portfolios on behalf of blue-chip companies, pension funds, private landowners, utility companies, national charities, local authorities and government agencies.
It has continued to grow both organically and through acquisitions, most recently with the merger of Vine Property Management which was completed in April 2021.
The firm has around 650 colleagues working across 25 UK-based offices from Glasgow to Exeter, with a head office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Andrew Bridge, Managing Partner at Fisher German, said there were clear similarities between the firms which attracted both parties to working together.
He said: “What we share with Matthews & Goodman is a long history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, a collaborative approach to working with our colleagues and clients, and a proven track record of winning and retaining some of the UK’s biggest property portfolios.
“Matthews & Goodman not only shares our vision and values, but also brings with it a highly-motivated team of commercial property experts to match our own.
“Together, we can offer unrivalled property advice across urban and rural settings and maximise the return on investment to our clients through the benefit of our multi-disciplinary services.”
James Routledge, Head of Investment at Matthews & Goodman, said: “This merger is much more than a marriage of cultures, capabilities, client management philosophes and ambitions.
“Together, we will have a far greater client offer – access to more experts, more professional services, in more markets. In addition, the prospects for existing talent in both firms and those who have yet to join us, is enormous.
“Our clients’ access to a creative entrepreneurial culture, underpinned by the breadth of skills, experience and expertise has now been increased quite significantly, and our collective offer is grounded by both companies’ proven heritage.”
