Whilst 2025 may have only just begun, Lomond has hit the ground running, with the firm announcing another acquisition just two weeks after that of Oakwood Homes, their first of the year.
The latest purchase sees Lomond acquire Uni2 Rent, a major provider of student accommodation in Nottingham.
Founded in 2012 by Ed Henderson, whilst he himself was a university student, the Uni2 Rent began life as a student living brand with a focus on events, before pivoting into the student accommodation market.
Today, Uni2 is one of Nottingham’s main providers of student accommodation and one of the very few independent providers of purpose-built student accommodation.
Henderson, said: “Building the Uni2 brand has been my sole focus since I was a university student and I’m incredibly proud of what’s been achieved.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on delivering more than just student accommodation, so when the time came, it was crucial that any deal was with a company that shares the same vision. Selling the business wasn’t an easy decision, but Lomond’s track record and approach to student lettings made this the perfect fit. I’ll be working very closely with Lomond through the transition and know the business is in great hands.
“While there’s plenty of life in me yet and I’m excited for future ventures, my focus for now aside from supporting Lomond through the transitional period, is on building my family home and spending more time with my fiancée and 2 children.”
The deal, which was brokered by Adam J Walker & Associates, sees Lomond acquire Uni2 and the 1,000 student rooms it currently has under management. Uni2 will be driven forward by Richard Crathorne, managing director of John Shepherd – Lomond’s cornerstone brand in the Midlands.
Adam Walker remarked: “There has been a lot of speculation recently about how the end of fixed period tenancies might adversely affect the student lettings market. The sale of UNI – 2 demonstrates that buyers still have confidence in the student sector and confirms that they have plans in place to deal with the impact of the recent legislation.”
The student let market has been an increasing area of focus for Lomond, with the firm first acquiring HOP Students in Yorkshire, swiftly followed by Leeds-based Sugarhouse Properties, both of which took place in 2024.
Lomond’s CEO, Ed Phillips, commented: “We’re delighted to have started 2025 on the front foot with our next acquisition coming so swiftly after our first of the year – we certainly have no intention of changing our strategy when it comes to the aggressive expansion plans of the Lomond brand.
“We’ve acquired another high quality business in Uni2 and one that goes above and beyond to deliver real value to its customers.
“In doing so, we’ve considerably strengthened our foothold within the student lettings market whilst also venturing into a new market geographically.”
John Shepherd CEO, Richard Crathorne, added: “Uni2 is an incredibly well respected business within the student accommodation sector here in Nottingham. This deal will provide us with an extremely firm foundation, enabling us to further grow within the market and expand on our City Centre Student Living.
“Ed and his team have done an outstanding job building a business that is about far more than providing rooms for rent and we’re excited to see what the future holds now that Uni2 has the full support of John Shepherd Lettings and the wider Lomond business.”
