Two major Norfolk agents are to merge their businesses as from May 1.
Arnolds and Keys, both based in Norwich, will form a new firm, Arnolds Keys, employing a total of 95 partners and staff, operating out of a total of nine offices plus an auction salesroom.
One of the equity partners, Jan Hÿtch, is vice-president of the NAEA.
The new firm will have three trading divisions, with a fine art auction business and a self-catering holiday business as well as a full-service residential and commercial property business.
Arnolds’ managing partner, Guy Gowing, said: “This merger brings together two independent local firms which share many values. In particular, both have a long pedigree working in Norfolk, and we both operate in a non-corporate, human-scale way which has been successful for both firms in the county.
“We both enjoy a very loyal customer base and staff. Many of Keys’ areas of expertise have been ones which Arnolds has targeted to develop, such as north Norfolk residential sales, letting agents and holidays.”
Keys partner Clive Hedges said: “This move brings together two long-standing firms which have complementary strengths. Both share similar values and are leading names in residential estate agency.
“Arnolds is a leading player in commercial property right across the county; the Keys Fine Art Auctions are nationally renowned and the Keys holiday business is well-established and successful.”
The new firm plans modernisation and further growth, including expansion of its residential lettings business.
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