Simplify acquires Cook Taylor Woodhouse 

In the latest consolidation in the conveyancing sector, national business Simplify today announced the acquisition of southeast London and Kent firm Cook Taylor Woodhouse (CTW) to its business. The acquisition is the latest addition to the Simplify brand, which already incorporates four of the largest UK conveyancers - Advantage Property Lawyers, DC Law, JS Law & Premier Property Lawyers - as well as panel management specialist Move with Us, My Home Move and the QualitySolicitors brand and marketing network.

The company, set up in 2019, said the acquisition of CTW would make it the largest operator in the London market. Simplify said it now completes more home mover transactions than the next four groups of conveyancing firms combined.

David Grossman, chief executive, said: 'We acquired CTW because of its excellent reputation, strong team and scale in London and the south east, which will complement Simplify’s own strengths. In a turbulent time for the housing market, it is great to be able to look forward and continue delivering our plans for growth and to further strengthen our position as the undisputed number 1 in UK conveyancing.'

CTW director Martin Bowers said the firm 'will have an exciting and prosperous future within Simplify, benefitting from the scale of the group’s operations and the exceptional technology platforms that Simplify has built for its clients and Introducers'.