Birmingham, 5 February 2026 - Debrett’s Advisory team, together with FRP Advisory, has advised Centrick, the UK’s largest independent property services specialist, on its long-term investment partnership with PHM Group, a European residential property services group.
The transaction marks a key milestone for Centrick as it celebrates 20 years in business, providing long-term backing to support investment in people, technology, and innovation, while preserving the culture, leadership, and service approach that has defined the business for two decades.
Founded in 2005 by James Ackrill and Carina Ackrill, Centrick has grown through service-led expansion to become the UK’s largest independent building and estate management operator. Today, the business manages over 30,000 homes and £4.5 billion of client assets, supported by more than 300 professionals across offices in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Gerrards Cross, and Fareham.
Centrick delivers a broad range of residential property services, including building and estate management, Build to Rent consultancy and management, PRS portfolio asset management, red book valuations, building surveying, facilities management, and building safety and compliance expertise.
The business will continue to operate independently under the same brand and leadership, ensuring operational continuity for clients and residents.
James Ackrill, Founder of Centrick, said:
“We’ve spent 20 years building a business focused on delivering exceptional service through talented, committed people. When we looked at options for the next stage of our growth we were approached by a number of acquisitive parties, but knew we wanted a partner who would respect that foundation and support us in taking it forward.
PHM Group really stood out, not just because of their shared values and strong ESG credentials, but because they understand that great service comes from preserving what works – the culture, the people, the local relationships – while adding the resources, depth and stability that enable you to do more. Carina and I are delighted to continue as shareholders and to see the business enter this next chapter with a partner who shares our values.
Clive Hatchard’s guidance throughout the process ensured a clear, well-managed transaction, allowing us to focus on the business and our people.”
Phil Johns, Group Managing Director of Centrick, said:
“Our clients choose Centrick because they trust our people and our approach. Joining PHM Group strengthens our ability to invest in what matters most, our teams, our technology and the quality of service we deliver. We’ll continue working with the same clients, residents and partners, with the same local teams, but with greater backing behind the scenes to keep raising standards.”
Gareth Martin, CEO PHM United Kingdom, said:
“Centrick has built an outstanding reputation through genuine commitment to service and people. That aligns closely with PHM Group’s philosophy of caring for people by taking care of their surroundings. We are committed to preserving Centrick’s independence and supporting Phil and his team with long-term investment and expertise as they continue to grow.”
PHM Group is headquartered in Finland and operates across eight countries, employing more than 14,500 professionals with consolidated revenues of EUR 1.2 billion. The group has expanded rapidly across Europe in recent years, entering the UK market in 2025, and operates under a ‘Big and Local’ model that supports strong local businesses while preserving their independence.
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, led the transaction, working closely with Centrick’s shareholders and management team alongside FRP Advisory. The advisers executed a structured process that aligned with Centrick’s long-term objectives and identified a partner consistent with the company’s values, culture, and growth ambitions.
Clive Hatchard said:
“It was a smooth, highly collaborative process. Centrick’s thoughtful approach and PHM’s scale and long-term vision combined perfectly, creating a transaction that positions the business strongly for the future.”
The deal forms part of Debrett’s Advisory team’s broader growth strategy, complementing its Investment and Wealth Management capabilities through strategic partnerships such as Mulberry Bow. The group is chaired by Darryl Eales, former CEO of LDC, with board members including Richard Swann, partner at Inflexion and Richard Sanders, ex-founder at Catalyst Corporate Finance / Alantra.
Adviser Roles
