Private investment firm expands with takeover

A private investment firm has expanded with a takeover.

Hawthorn Capital has bought Xenia Property Group.

Officials say the move – completed for an undisclosed sum – will “accelerate the expansion of the company’s UK real estate services platform”.

Under the terms of the swoop, Xenia bosses Farrah McWilliam and Michael Willans will continue overseeing day-to-day operations.

Hawthorn founder Will Bainbridge and fellow director Chanil Patel have joined Xenia’s board, with Shaun Herman working with Xenia on operational development.

Launched in 2022, City of London-headquartered Hawthorn’s real estate venture covers areas including property management and maintenance.

Xenia, which has offices in Sale, Bradford and Sunderland, works across block management, residential and student lettings through its Xenia Estates, Xenia Students and Xenia Lettings arms.

Will said: “The UK property services market is large, highly fragmented and undergoing significant change.

“We believe there is significant scope to build businesses of scale by combining strong existing operators with long-term capital and institutional-quality systems and operating capabilities.

“Xenia provides us with an established platform across several areas of the market, with a meaningful geographic presence, an experienced team and a broad customer base.”

Hawthorn’s portfolio also includes lettings and property management business Prime Residential, which operates across London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds.

Accountancy firm Blick Rothenberg and law firm Gunnercooke supported Hawthorn on the deal.

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