The UK’s largest conveyancer, My Home Move, has bought the country’s sixth largest conveyancing firm.

In a mega deal, My Home Move has acquired Advantage Property Lawyers.

Together the businesses will employ nearly 1,000 people and deliver almost 100,000 completions a year – achieving a significant increase in market share. My Home Move said that last year it acted for 50,000 buyers and sellers.

We asked whether the deal, for an undisclosed sum, had to be approved by the Competition and Markets Authority. A spokesperson for My Home Move said that the conveyancing market is so splintered, that approval did not have to be sought. He said that the combination of two of the industry’s largest players would still only lead to a 3% market share.

Doug Crawford, CEO of My Home Move – which has strong relationships with estate agents, both high street and online – said: “We acquired APL because of their size, reputation and long-standing relationships with a number of significant introducers, which will complement our own strengths.

“This acquisition will enable My Home Move to support APL’s continued growth over the next few years as well as provide the opportunity for both organisations to share ideas and best practice as we grow together.

“APL is a superb brand managed by a strong team who I look forward to working alongside as we continue to revolutionise the customer experience of conveyancing through further investment in people, processes and innovative technology.”

APL, which is located in Leeds, was established nine years ago. It currently completes over 900 sale and purchase transactions a month.

Stephen Coupland, head of sales and marketing at APL, said: “We are delighted to have joined the My Home Move family, a change that will allow us to continue our growth in Leeds while, over time, building on our existing approach to tap in to some of the exceptional technology platforms that My Home Move has built for its clients and introducers.

“Above all, My Home Move and Advantage share a passion for efficient, client delighting conveyancing, and we look forward to playing our part in the continued growth and success of the combined business.”

My Home Move has pioneered the use of new technologies within the legal sector for over ten years, including eWay, its online case management service, which allows its clients to manage their case 24/7 via a smart phone or tablet. Last year, it also set up a network of experienced conveyancers, all fully employed but who are able to work from home and balance their work/life commitments.

Next month its annual conference – free for estate agents to attend – will explore the theme of Intelligent Housing, providing its introducers with industry insights from some of the UK’s top property experts.