ETP, Bristol’s oldest independent property consultancy, has merged with Bath-based real estate firm CSquared in a move that will enable it to go head-to-head with the region’s largest operators in the sector.
The combined business, which will trade as CSquared, has a multi-million pound turnover and a full service portfolio spanning occupational, investment and development agency as well as property management, building consultancy project management, valuation and lease advisory specialisms.
CSquared, which rebranded from its original name Colston & Colston two years ago around the time it opened a Bristol office, was already one of the fastest-growing companies in region’s property sector while ETP can trace its roots back to 1878.
The merged firm will initially operate from two locations – the current ETP head office on Alma Road, Bristol, and the CSquared office in Bath.
Larger premises are being sought in Bristol while the firm’s Bath office will also soon be relocated.
The new business will be led by six equity partners – three from each business – with the 25-plus headcount set to increase rapidly.
The new leadership team decided to use the name CSquared due to the rapid rise in awareness of the brand in the short time it has been operational – it is already well recognised as a disruptor in what is regarded as a traditional sector.
CSquared partner Allan Lloyd said he had known Alastair Kimpton, Ed Le Masurier and Nick Williams from ETP for some time and had long admired the strength of their business.
“We always felt that, culturally, we would be a really good fit,” he added.
“We share the ambition to grow one of the most successful property services companies in the UK, and together we are well on our way.
“We are all very excited about this next stage of growth and equally encouraged by the opportunity to build on our recent success in our newly expanded form.”
Ed Le Masurier added: “CSquared have already achieved admirable traction in the Bristol market, and our combined practice is the first new independent business of scale in the area for 30 years.
“This alone is a remarkable feat and to do so ahead of the recent turbulence in the market is testament to the quality of advice and service provided by both our businesses, and the strength of the client relationships we hold.”
Colston & Colston founder Alistair Colston remains a consultant to CSquared.
Pictured, below, the post-merger CSquared team
