Franchise chain Martin & Co was picked out for a glowing write-up in yesterday’s Mail on Sunday as it embarks on plans to triple in size.

Investment column Midas said that the firm has “done well since flotation but the best is yet to come. These shares are a strong hold”.

Martin & Co floated on the stock exchange last year at 100p per share. The price is now 140p.

The piece quotes chief executive Ian Wilson as being “extremely confident about the future” and planning to grow the company both organically and by acquisition.

He intends to triple to the size of Martin & Co over the next few years and said that he has funds in place for purchases.

On flotation, the group had 190 offices, all operating under the Martin & Co brand.

Last year, it bought Xperience from Legal & General, taking its network to 280 and the number of properties under management to 43,000.

Martin & Co – like rival Belvoir – has also expanded from its traditional lettings business into sales and these now account for 20% for Martin & Co’s revenues.

Midas said that Martin & Co is expected to increase profits this year by 24% to £2.6m, with a generous 25% rise in the dividend to 5p.