Martin & Co branch in Exeter has acquired Cooksleys Estate Agents, marking the first acquisition for Franchise Owners Nik Davey and Rosie Davey since taking over the business in early 2024. The deal includes both the lettings management portfolio and the sales operation previously run by Cooksleys, significantly expanding the Exeter branch’s presence across both sectors.
The acquisition roughly doubles the size of the Martin & Co Exeter business and represents a major milestone for Rosie and Nik, who entered the property industry just two years ago. Since taking over the branch in 2024, Nik and Rosie say the focus has been on strengthening relationships with clients and building a strong local team. “It has been very busy and exciting getting to know the business and building great relationships with our clients,” said Nik. “We have a brilliant, hard-working team and we wouldn’t have been able to get to where we are today without them.”
Having lived in Exeter all their lives, the couple said their connection to the city played a key role in their decision to enter the local property market. “We love the diversity of people and property in the area,” added Rosie. “We let and sell properties ranging from city-centre studios to countryside family homes, student accommodation and HMOs. We’re passionate about Exeter being a great place to live.”
The opportunity to acquire Cooksleys was particularly appealing due to the similarity in business values between the two firms. “Cooksleys is a business who care about what they do and about giving outstanding service to their clients,” said Nik. “That was very important to us and made them stand out from some of the more corporate agents.”
Alongside the management portfolio, the purchase of Cooksleys’ sales business provides additional scope for growth.
Clients transitioning from Cooksleys Estate Agents will continue to receive the same high level of service, the new owners said. “They can expect more of the great service they are used to and hopefully opportunities to meet and get to know us,” Rosie comments.
The acquisition forms part of the branch’s broader ambitions to grow its presence in the local market, with the owners confirming they are open to further opportunities. “We would love to grow even more in the future,” said Nik. “If the right fit for our business comes along, we would definitely look at further acquisitions.”
Penny Sanders, Group Franchise Services Director at The Property Franchise Group, adds: “It’s great to see Nik and Rosie taking this next step so soon after joining the network. Acquisitions like this are an excellent way for Franchise Owners to accelerate growth while strengthening their presence in their local market. We’re delighted that we could support Nik and Rosie throughout the process.”
Rosie and Nik say strong demand in the local lettings market continues to support growth plans. “We’re seeing lots of demand for one- and two-bedroom properties in the city centre,” said Rosie. “The student market is still growing as well.”
Completing their first acquisition is a significant personal milestone for the couple. “It’s a big moment for us and something we’re very proud of,” said Nik.
Looking ahead, the owners say their ambition is to continue building the business and strengthening their reputation locally. “We’re excited about growing our excellent team of staff and becoming known in the city as the number one agent for customer service, property management and sales.”
Toby Phillips, Managing Director of Martin & Co, said the acquisition reflects the momentum the Exeter branch has built under its new ownership. “Nik and Rosie have made a fantastic start since taking over the Exeter office and this acquisition is a great example of their ambition and commitment to growing the business. Expanding through acquisition while maintaining strong service standards is exactly the kind of progress we like to see from our franchise network, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their presence in the Exeter market.”
