Landmark Information Group [1], the leading provider of information to the UK property market and part of Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), has today announced the acquisition of OneSearch Direct, which provides property information and conveyancing solutions to solicitors and other customers throughout England and Wales.
Since 1992, OneSearch Direct has developed an extensive range of datasets, insights and specialist local search knowledge, making it one of the largest local search data companies in the UK.
Landmark’s primary focus on improving the property transaction process to benefit all market participants closely aligns with OneSearch Direct’s longstanding strength in conveyancing data and its track record of innovation.
Simon Brown, CEO of Landmark Information Group, said: “OneSearch Direct has a strong customer service ethos and a highly experienced team and this acquisition greatly complements Landmark’s portfolio of property, data and conveyancing businesses. I joined Landmark Information Group a year ago with a goal of using Landmark’s data and software assets to reshape the way properties are bought and sold. We have since acquired the conveyancing panel management firm Optimus, and now we are delighted to welcome OneSearch Direct to the business. With the acquisition of OneSearch Direct, we can make a real difference to home-movers and conveyancers by further streamlining the transaction process.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Elizabeth Jarvis, managing director of OneSearch Direct, said: “At OneSearch Direct we are passionate about the quality of our data and we are delighted to be joining a group that shares the same high standards and commitment to providing law firms with practical conveyancing solutions. We have worked closely with Landmark over a number of years and now, with investment from the group in technology and business development, we are excited about the next phase of OneSearch Direct’s development over the coming months.”
The investment by DMGT recognises the opportunities the Group continues to see in the property information market. Besides Landmark, DMGT also owns Trepp and, until last year, was the largest shareholder in ZPG Plc, the owner of Zoopla that was sold in a £2.2 billion transaction.
For more information on Landmark Information Group visit www.landmark.co.uk [2].