The Reading branch of national sales and lettings agency Parkers has bolstered its managed portfolio by acquiring independent agency Samuel James.

Parkers Reading has also taken on six staff from Samuel James.

Parkers Reading owner Craig Pearson, who also owns Parkers branches in nearby Woodley and Earley, said: “It was important to the owner that he found a buyer to continue looking after his clients as well as his current staff.

“We were extremely pleased and proud that we were seen as the agency to do all that based on our ethos and care for our existing clients.”

Craig is one of Parkers’ longest serving property experts, having joined the brand as a sales negotiator in Bracknell in 1993.

Spells at branches in Crowthorne and Wokingham followed before he was promoted to branch manager at Reading in 1996.

After purchasing the Reading branch in 1999, Craig has gone on to purchase Parkers’ offices in Woodley and Earley.

Craig, whose latest acquisition boosted the branches’ managed portfolios by a huge 33 per cent paid tribute to the support of the Property Franchise Group (TPFG).

He added: “To be honest it wouldn’t have happened with out them.

“From being able to make an offer and being advised by an acquisitions expert, to the audit process and the support for my team, they have been amazing.”

Xperience and Whitegates Managing Director Kate Toland said: “Craig has always been extremely forward-thinking and I’m delighted to see this latest acquisition cross the finish line.

“He has built a superb team and the clients acquired from Samuel James will now benefit from that team’s superb levels of service.”