Estate agency expands after completing acquisition of long-standing firm

Balfour Manson has increased its presence north of the border with the acquisition of Alastair Hart & Co, Solicitors & Estate Agents (AH&Co).

AH&Co has been run by Alastair Hart since the mid-1990s, and he will join the merged practice as a consultant for a short period with the merger being completed on 30 June.

Scott Foster, chief operating officer of Balfour Manson, said: “This is a terrific addition to our business and very much in line with Balfour Manson’s growth plans.

“Alastair, who has been referring work to our Aberdeen team for some time, will initially work as a consultant to support the bedding in and transfer of his business and clients to the merged firm.”

Balfour Manson will maintain AH&Co’s presence in Portlethen, where the firm has been operating for 25 years, mainly providing private client, residential conveyancing, and estate agency, while AH&Co’s Aberdeen office is moving to Balfour Manson’s Albyn Place office.

Foster added: “With a broader scope of legal disciplines available at Balfour Manson, there are clear opportunities to offer a wider range of services to AH&Co clients in both Aberdeen and Portlethen, along with new clients of the merged business.”

Hart said: “I’ve had a very enjoyable legal career. I have always been very impressed by Balfour Manson and feel we share the same ethos. I therefore know my clients will continue to be in safe, experienced. and skilled hands-on completion of the merger.”

Julie Clark-Spence, partner at Balfour Manson who heads up the Aberdeen office, added: “We have known Alastair for many years, and it has always been clear that his clients have benefited from a high standard of personal service and professionalism.”