Two of the best known property groups in Galway have this week made a bold move, in defiance of the current challenging economic conditions, by announcing details of their merger. RE/MAX Property West and Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip, have merged to form Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard, and are looking forward to a brighter future as one bigger, stronger, and extremely enthusiastic entity.
With the dizzy heights of the boom firmly left in the past, smart companies are looking at how best to position themselves to survive and develop into the future. The property industry is certainly one that has seen a lot of change in recent years. However even in the toughest of economic conditions there are always opportunities and the newly formed Property Partners Maxwell, Heaslip & Leonard is a perfect example of the smart thinking required to do business in today’s marketplace.
The merger brings together three long-established and well known names in Galway auctioneering. “We operate in an industry that has experienced huge changes in the last couple of years and we recognised that in order to move forward we needed to be open to new things, new ideas, and new ways of doing business,” said Fergal Leonard.
The names Maxwell, Heaslip, and Leonard have long been associated with the auctioneering profession in Galway, and the similarities do not end there. All three businesses are family run entities established by Jim Maxwell, Danno Heaslip, and Reggie Leonard respectively. All three businesses now see the next generation at the helm, with Alan Maxwell, James Heaslip, and Fergal Leonard as principals. This father-son relationship has played a vital role in handing down solid business principles and values and has been a key factor in the success of each company to date.
Over the last number of years the recognisable brands of Property Partners Maxwell & Heaslip and RE/MAX Property West were clearly visible in hundreds of gardens throughout Galway city and county as both companies gained considerable market share in the residential sales and lettings and commercial sectors. Now, having successfully negotiated some of the toughest market conditions ever faced in this country, the companies have joined forces to form one of the biggest auctioneering firms in the city. “We recognised that we needed to adapt to the changing marketplace and change our strategy if we wanted to bring our respective businesses forward,” James Heaslip said of the merger. “The market has changed dramatically and in order to grow and remain competitive it is vital to be open to change and new ideas.”
From the outset the synergies between the companies were obvious, both being of similar profile in terms of longevity, family values, and potential. However the most compelling factor was the fact that while both companies individually offered varying levels of services in residential and commercial sales, valuations, and property management/rentals, they realised that each of their core competencies lay in a different area of auctioneering. This, according to Alan Maxwell, is when they realised the extent of the opportunity presenting itself. “By merging we have brought together our considerable individual experience and expertise in the various areas of auctioneering to form one strong company well positioned to grow and capable of offering superior levels of service every day,” Maxwell said.
One of the first major decisions to make was to decide on the brand under which to develop the new company, given that as separate entities both had benefited from the association with well-known property brands to date. Fergal Leonard recalls this process: “When we thought about the values we wanted to foster for the future and the type of market we now operate in, we quickly realised that the Property Partners brand provided the best opportunity for the new company to thrive and grow. Being an Irish brand, Property Partners is instantly recognisable nationwide and the brand reflects the values that we need to order to succeed, namely, great people providing excellent services with a passion for what we do.”
Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard now boasts a team of six IPAV/IAVI qualified auctioneers and valuers, all of whom are proud to have their name attached to the company, and, as such, care about the success and future of the business. “This wealth of experience and expertise is an invaluable resource in an industry which ultimately relies on the quality of the service provided. It also allows us huge flexibility in scheduling appointments and meeting client needs as we literally have more man power,” said Fergal Leonard, who added that he believes this will prove to be one of the company’s greatest assets.
The team acknowledges that technology also plays a key role in the business and will do so in the future. The internet has become the research tool of choice for a large number of property buyers and tenants. It is fast and efficient and allows buyers to narrow their search to suit their own criteria. The Property Partners website provides a concise searchable database of all properties for sale or rent in Ireland and thus provides excellent coverage for all client properties.
The merger of the firms makes the city based agents one of the largest property groups in Galway and it can already offer the complete range of services from residential sales and lettings, and all commercial dealings, to valuations and financial services. “We are seeking to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all our clients’ property needs and with this merger we are now in a position to do so,” said James Heaslip. “We are all very excited about the direction we are taking and we know it’s the only way to survive in a market that will see further changes to regulation and our trade practices. The message from Property Partners Maxwell, Heaslip and Leonard is very clear — we’re here, we’re open for business, and we’re passionate about property.”
For more information regarding residential properties or commercial properties for sale or rent, or valuation services, contact Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard on (091 ) 565261 or visit www.propertypartners.ie
