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Draft:Chestertons Global

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Chestertons Global
Company typePrivate
IndustryReal estate services
Founded1805
FounderCharles Chesterton
HeadquartersLondon, England
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Allan Collins (Deputy Chairman, Global)
Guy Gittins (Managing Director, UK)
ProductsResidential and commercial property services; advisory and relocation services
Number of employees
Franchise network in 21 countries
Websitehttp://www.chestertons.com

Chestertons is a London-based estate agency founded in 1805 by Charles Chesterton, and is one of the UK's oldest property firms.[1] Specialising in prime residential sales and lettings, it operates internationally through a franchised network.[2] In October 2023, its UK arm was acquired by French property group Emeria for approximately £100 million.[3]

History

[edit]

Chestertons was founded in Kensington in 1805 by Charles Chesterton, making it one of London’s oldest estate agencies.[4] It later became a founding member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.[citation needed]

In 2005, after entering receivership, Chestertons UK was acquired by Mercantile Group under chairman Salah Mussa.[5]

In 2009, Mercantile merged Chestertons with Humberts to create Chesterton Humberts, consolidating two historic London agencies.[6] The two brands were separated again in 2014, with Chestertons regaining its independent operations.[7]

Between 2015 and 2017, Chestertons explored a sale for approximately £50 million, but the plans were ultimately abandoned.[8] In 2015, the firm expanded in the Middle East via a joint venture in Saudi Arabia.[9]

Leadership changes occurred in 2017–18 when long-time CEO Robert Bartlett resigned and was succeeded by Allan Collins, followed by a restructure elevating Guy Gittins as UK Managing Director.[10]

In October 2023, Chestertons UK was acquired by the French property group Emeria for about £100 million, while its international franchise network remained with Mercantile Group.[11]

Leadership and ownership

[edit]

Mercantile Group became the principal investor in Chestertons in 2005, with entrepreneur Salah Mussa serving as its chairman.[12]

From 2006 until November 2017, Robert Bartlett served as Chief Executive of Chestertons, overseeing significant branch expansion and modernization efforts.[13]

Upon Bartlett’s departure, Allan Collins—formerly the company’s CFO (2012–2017)—was appointed interim CEO and later became Deputy Chairman of Chestertons Global.[14]

In 2018, Guy Gittins, previously head of sales at the Chelsea office, was promoted to Managing Director of Chestertons UK.[15]

Following the 2023 acquisition of Chestertons UK by Emeria, senior management roles have been reorganized under the new ownership, though detailed independent coverage of post-2023 leadership appointments is not yet available.[16]

Services and business model

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Chestertons specialises in **prime residential sales and lettings** in central London, and is regularly cited for its prominence in the high-end market.[17]

In addition to sales and lettings, the agency offers **lettings management**, **property valuations**, and **block/property management**. A 2018 trade report highlights Chestertons’ investment in lettings technology to streamline tenant onboarding and regulatory compliance.[18]

Chestertons also provides **mortgage broking** and **relocation advisory services** through specialist partnerships, and delivers **international property advisory** via its Chestertons Global franchise network. Under Mercantile Group’s ownership, Chestertons UK generated approximately **£70 million** in revenue for 2023.[19]

International operations

[edit]

Chestertons operates internationally through its franchise arm, Chestertons Global.

In the Middle East, Chestertons opened three offices in Saudi Arabia in 2015 via a joint venture, and maintains partnerships in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.[citation needed]

In Europe, the network includes franchised offices in Spain (Costa del Sol), Greece (Corfu), Cyprus and Morocco, announced between 2021 and 2022.[20] The company also operates in Gibraltar.[21]

In Asia, Chestertons previously ran a Singapore office with around 20 staff as of 2015.[citation needed]

Overall, the Chestertons Global franchise network spans approximately 21 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.[22]

Awards and recognition

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Chestertons won **Estate Agency of the Year (Large)** at The Negotiator Awards 2024.[23] The company has also been named a finalist or winner in other UK property award programmes such as the UK Property Awards, though these are documented mainly through company releases rather than independent media.

Acquisitions and milestones

[edit]
  • **2005 Mercantile acquisition**: After financial difficulties, Chestertons UK was acquired out of receivership by Mercantile Group, led by Salah Mussa.[24]
  • **2009 Humberts merger**: Chestertons merged with Humberts to form Chesterton Humberts, consolidating two historic London agencies.[25]
  • **2014 demerger**: The merged Chesterton Humberts brands split back into separate entities, with Chestertons focusing on London and international markets.[26]
  • **2015–17 sale attempts**: Plans to sell Chestertons UK for around £50 million were publicly explored but ultimately cancelled.[27]
  • **Global expansion**: In 2015 Chestertons opened three offices in Saudi Arabia and later expanded into new franchise markets in Europe and Africa between 2021 and 2022.[28]
  • **2017 leadership change**: CEO Robert Bartlett resigned in November 2017 and was succeeded by interim CEO Allan Collins.[29]
  • **2018 management restructure**: Allan Collins moved to a global strategy role, and Guy Gittins was appointed Managing Director of Chestertons UK.[30]
  • **2023 sale to Emeria/Campions**: In October 2023, Chestertons UK was sold to French property services group Emeria for a reported £100 million, while Mercantile Group retained the international franchise business.[31][32]

References

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  1. ^ "UK estate agent stalwart Chestertons calls off plan to sell itself for £50 million". Evening Standard. 23 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Chestertons expands global footprint with new offices in Europe and Africa". Mid-East.info. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  3. ^ "London estate agent Chestertons sold to European property group". The Independent. 23 October 2023.
  4. ^ "UK estate agent stalwart Chestertons calls off plan to sell itself for £50 million". Evening Standard. 23 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Chestertons sold to European real estate services group". EGI. 23 October 2023.
  6. ^ Hurst, Gregory (10 July 2009). "Estate agents Chestertons and Humberts merge". The Times.
  7. ^ "Chesterton Humberts splits back into two brands". Property Industry Eye. 14 August 2014.
  8. ^ "UK estate agent stalwart Chestertons calls off plan to sell itself for £50 million". Evening Standard. 23 March 2015.
  9. ^ "UK estate agent stalwart Chestertons calls off plan to sell itself for £50 million". Evening Standard. 23 March 2015.
  10. ^ "Chief executive role disappears as Chestertons shakes up management structure". Property Industry Eye. 5 April 2018.
  11. ^ "London estate agent Chestertons sold to European property group". The Independent. 23 October 2023.
  12. ^ "Chestertons sale hope, pocketing more £50 m". City A.M. 6 June 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  13. ^ "It's finally official: Chestertons boss Robert Bartlett has quit". Property Industry Eye. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Chief executive role disappears as Chestertons shakes up management structure". Property Industry Eye. 5 April 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Chestertons lettings London expansion". The Negotiator. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference IndependentSale4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ "London estate agent Chestertons sold to European property group". The Independent. 23 October 2023.
  18. ^ "Chestertons lettings London expansion". The Negotiator. 15 May 2018.
  19. ^ "Chestertons sold to European real estate services group". EGI. 23 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Chestertons expands global footprint with new offices in Europe and Africa". Mid-East.info. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  21. ^ "London estate agent Chestertons sold to European property group". The Independent. 23 October 2023.
  22. ^ "Chestertons expands global footprint with new offices in Europe and Africa". Mid-East.info. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  23. ^ "Winners and runners-up 2024". The Negotiator. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  24. ^ "Chestertons sold to European real estate services group". EGI. 23 October 2023.
  25. ^ "Chestertons sale hope, pocketing more £50 m". City A.M. 6 June 2017.
  26. ^ "Chesterton Humberts splits back into two brands". Property Industry Eye. 14 August 2014.
  27. ^ "UK estate agent stalwart Chestertons calls off plan to sell itself for £50 million". Evening Standard. 23 March 2015.
  28. ^ "Chestertons expands global footprint with new offices in Europe and Africa". Mid-East.info. 19 May 2021.
  29. ^ "It's finally official: Chestertons boss Robert Bartlett has quit". Property Industry Eye. 28 November 2017.
  30. ^ "Chief executive role disappears as Chestertons shakes up management structure". Property Industry Eye. 5 April 2018.
  31. ^ "London estate agent Chestertons sold to European property group". The Independent. 23 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Chestertons sold to European real estate services group". EGI. 23 October 2023.
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