Bovis Homes has announced plans to rename itself as Vistry Group after completing the £1.1 billion acquisition of Galliford Try’s housebuilding business.
Bovis said it has now completed the deal to buy Linden Homes, after first agreeing the deal in November 2019.
It said the listed group will be rebranded to cover both the enlarged group’s housebuilding and partnerships businesses.
The tie-up will see Galliford Try shareholders take a 29.3% shareholding in the Bovis Homes group.
Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of Bovis Homes, said: “The combination of these businesses with Bovis Homes creates a top five housebuilder in the UK with the capacity to deliver over 12,000 homes per year in the medium term.
“Within the enlarged business, our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of build quality and customer satisfaction will remain central to everything we do.
“We would like to thank all shareholders for their engagement in this process and look forward to delivering the clear strategic and financial benefits of this combination.”
Over the past year, the Linden Homes business completed 3,229 homes, 2,227 of which were private housing and 1,002 were affordable, with an average selling price of £284,000.
The deal also saw Bovis acquire Galliford’s housing partnerships business, which delivered 1,178 homes over the said period.
Bovis also confirmed that former Galliford Try chief executive Graham Prothero has joined the company’s board.
It said Mr Prothero has been appointed as the group’s new chief operating officer.
In a separate announcement, Galliford Try said Bill Hocking, who was previously the chief of the company’s construction and investments division, has replaced Mr Prothero as its new chief executive.
Peter Ventress, chairman of Galliford Try, said: “The completion of the corporate transaction transforms Galliford Try into a well-capitalised, standalone construction-focused group.
“On behalf of the board I thank Graham for his contribution to the group and the transaction and wish him well in his new role.”
Henry Saker-Clark is PA City Reporter.
