Countrywide does deal with Mortgage Advice Bureau

Countrywide, the UK’s largest estate agency chain and mortgage broker, has signed a joint venture deal with Mortgage Advice Bureau to launch a new financial brand – Capital Private Finance.

MAB, currently expanding at the rate of two new offices a month, operates out of independent estate agency offices across the UK.

It claims to be the largest provider of independent face-to face financial and mortgage advice on the high street, with 400 branches.

Its venture into corporate estate agency will see Capital Private Finance providing Countrywide’s upmarket brands such as Hamptons International, John D Wood & Co, Faron Sutaria and UK Sotheby’s International Realty with a high-end broker service.

The new service will employ dedicated advisers who will provide specialist advice for high-net worth clients on all financial matters including new property purchases, remortgages, buy-to-let, commercial, international, agricultural, new-build, renovation and development.

In addition, Capital Private Finance will provide advice on general and commercial insurance.

Nigel Stockton, financial services director at Countrywide, said: “This is an incredibly exciting proposition for us, giving us the ability to provide our high-net worth clients with exceptional independent financial advice.

“This agreement forms a key part of Countrywide’s strategic plan to enhance our financial service offering and cater for high-net worth individuals seeking independent financial guidance.”

He added: “We feel the private finance market has been under-capitalised and we will be looking to attract the best private finance consultants in the industry to this exciting venture, which will be supported by our current partners and the world’s leading private banks.



“We are delighted to be partnering with a company of the calibre of Mortgage Advice Bureau, which has built a first-class reputation in the provision of financial services to the independent estate agency sector.”

Peter Brodnicki, MAB’s chief executive, said: “Mortgage Advice Bureau’s ongoing aim is to find new opportunities to grow and lead in the market in which we operate. This agreement with Countrywide and subsequent launch of Capital Private Finance enables us to do exactly that, and provides a fantastic opportunity for all involved.”