A real estate agency is expanding after taking over a long-standing company

Balfour+Manson has expanded 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, who will join the combined company as a consultant for a short period, with the merger completing on June 30.

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

“Alastair, who has been outsourcing work to our team in Aberdeen for some time, will initially work as a consultant to support the incorporation and transition of his business and clients into the combined company.”

Balfour+Manson will maintain AH&Co’s presence in Portlethen, where the company has operated for 25 years, serving mainly private clients, residential conveyancing and property brokerage, while AH&Co’s Aberdeen office will relocate to Balfour+Manson’s office in Albyn Place.

Foster added: “With the wider range of legal areas available at Balfour+Manson, there are clear opportunities to offer a wider range of services to AH&Co clients in both Aberdeen and Portlethen, as well as to new clients of the combined business.”

Hart said: “I have had a very enjoyable legal career. I have always been very impressed with Balfour+Manson and feel we share the same ethos. That’s why I know my clients will continue to be safe and experienced. and skilled, practical implementation of mergers.”

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